Residents in 14 Kentucky counties affected by tornado storms Dec. 10-11 are now eligible for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), Gov. Andy Beshear's office announced recently.
D-SNAP, which provides food assistance to low-income families impacted by natural disasters, was approved for the counties by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, the governor's office announced Dec. 30. Two additional counties are "on standby" for future inclusion.
“We really appreciate the extra assistance from the federal government to ensure our Kentucky families who have lost so much are able to have access to healthy food at this time,” Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said in the release. “When you’re worried about how to rebuild your home and your life, you shouldn’t have the extra burden of worrying about your next meal."
The counties currently approved for benefits are Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren, the release said. “Barren and Marion County will have an opportunity to apply at a later date.”
Those approved for D-SNAP benefits will receive an Electronic Benefits (EBT) card that can be used to buy food at most grocery stores. Individuals and families who typically do not qualify for SNAP benefits may still qualify for D-SNAP if they have incurred disaster-related expenses such as home and business repairs, temporary shelter expenses, personal injury, funeral bills or loss of income.
Applications for D-SNAP assistance are now being accepted. Residents are advised to call the Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) call center for D-SNAP at 1-833-371-8570, according to the announcement. Applications are taken by phone from 8 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. EST Monday through Friday and 9 A.M. to 2 P.M. EST on Saturday. Applications may also be made at DCBS offices in the eligible counties.
