Jacob Ogles
Low-income families in Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian may now seek federal assistance for temporary food assistance.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved an application from the state Department of Children and Families to open up the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for those struck by the storm.
That means many households not normally eligible for food assistance under normal SNAP guidelines qualify for D-SNAP based on income limitations and expenses related to disaster recovery.
“USDA stands with our neighbors in Florida to continue to provide vital food assistance as they deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Department is prepared to extend any available flexibility that will improve food access during their road to recovery.”
Florida DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris announced the application was approved. The state agency will work with Florida residents to access help and publicize the program.
“Our D-SNAP application was approved,” she tweeted. “Check out our website for details of our phased implementation, who qualifies, and how to apply. The Florida Department of Children and Families will be working hard to quickly help families in need of temporary food assistance.”
To be eligible for D-SNAP benefits, individuals must live or work in an identified disaster area and have been affected by the disaster, among other criteria. President Joe Biden declared 19 Florida counties as major disaster areas after Hurricane Ian made landfall on Sept. 28. Those include: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns and Volusia.
Eligible households will be eligible one month of benefits equal to the maximum for SNAP households of the same size. The benefits can be used for groceries and online retailers the same as SNAP.
D-SNAP benefits were announced after commercial food supplies re-opened and distribution channels were restored.
The USDA also waived re-certification for all SNAP cases statewide for six months. October benefits were also released early. Through October, SNAP beneficiaries in Florida can purchase hot and prepared foods, which is normally not allowed through the program.
In seven counties — Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Lake, Lee, Osceola, Sarasota, and St. Johns — a waiver allows SNAP benefits for food replacement is individuals make requests before Oct. 17.
Free school lunches will also be available in areas where schools have not yet re-opened.
8 comments
Rachel Wright
October 9, 2022 at 5:24 pm
Just wondering why Hendry county wasn’t approved. We had wind damaged and no electricity for several days. Food was ruin.
Sondra redkey
October 10, 2022 at 10:45 am
I lost a freezer and refrigerator full of food. We were ordered to evacuate mobile park
Teri
October 10, 2022 at 10:45 am
The replacement program is actually for all of the counties declared disaster including Pinellas Pasco Hillsborough not just the ones you posted. The ones you mentioned were given extension to apply for the replacement until the 17th of Oct. The rest of us had 10 days from the date of the hurricane or loss of food to claim.
Janie Gayle Tinsley
October 11, 2022 at 11:10 pm
I lost electric for 13 days, all of my food in freezer and refrigerator were ruined.
Hope Kerr
October 12, 2022 at 10:38 pm
i was told i did not qualify all i need is compensation for food that spoilt in my refrigerator seeing we had 10 days of no power – I work part time from home to supplement my SSN could not because of lack of power .i was told i was not eligible i thought Desantis said no red tape. Please help me out here thanks
David
October 13, 2022 at 5:30 pm
Just needed my food replacement.
Tommy Anderson
October 14, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Help
April
October 15, 2022 at 2:02 pm
What about those in Brevard county that lost their food?
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