Disaster Food Stamps 2024: Which counties are eligible for D-SNAP due to Helene and Milton?
According to Marca, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the implementation of food assistance for Florida residents impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This initiative aims to provide temporary aid for groceries to approximately 407,733 households across 24 counties during the recovery period.
What is D-SNAP?
D-SNAP extends benefits to individuals who may not typically qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by taking into account disaster-specific criteria, such as income limits and expenses directly related to the disaster. This program is part of the USDA’s ongoing effort to support communities as they rebuild and ensure that families have access to essential food supplies following a crisis.
Eligible Counties for D-SNAP
Recently, the USDA expanded D-SNAP to include parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The latest announcement adds five more counties in Georgia—Dodge, McIntosh, Taliaferro, Thomas, and Warren—bringing the total number of counties eligible for assistance to 112 across the states affected by the hurricanes. The USDA continues to collaborate closely with state governments to provide essential support to more residents.
Application Process for Affected Residents
Residents in the following counties—Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla—can apply for D-SNAP via phone from October 28 to October 31. For those who prefer to apply in person, applications will be accepted starting November 1.
In-person applications will be available for three-day periods in each county, continuing through December 9.
The next phase covers Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Residents in these areas can apply over the phone on November 4, and again from November 6 to November 8. In-person application opportunities will begin on November 9, with designated three-day windows for each county running until December 3.
Lastly, for residents in Citrus, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, and Volusia counties, phone applications will be accepted from November 12 through November 15. In-person applications will start on November 16, with scheduled three-day windows for each county extending until December 15.
Conclusion
The USDA’s D-SNAP program serves as a vital resource for Florida residents recovering from the devastating effects of recent hurricanes. By providing temporary food assistance, the USDA aims to help families meet their immediate nutritional needs during this challenging time.
