The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that low-income Iowa residents recovering from the severe storms and tornadoes beginning April 26, 2024, could be eligible for assistance through the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack stated that approximately 600 households, which may not typically qualify under regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules, might be eligible for D-SNAP if they meet specific criteria, including disaster income limits and qualifying disaster-related expenses.

"In the wake of recent tornadoes and severe storms, USDA is dedicated to providing emergency assistance to Iowa residents,” said Secretary Vilsack. "It is a top priority of ours to assist Iowans in getting back on their feet, and we will work hard to make sure USDA’s nutrition assistance programs are accessible to those in need."

To qualify for D-SNAP, a household must either live or work in an identified disaster area, have been affected by the disaster, and meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligible households will receive one month of benefits equal to the maximum monthly amount for a SNAP household of their size. These benefits can be used to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized stores or select retailers online. Iowa will operate its D-SNAP application from June 25 through June 29, 2024. Additional information about application dates and locations will be shared through local media.

The timing of D-SNAP varies with each disaster's unique circumstances but always begins after commercial channels of food distribution have been restored. Before operating a D-SNAP program, a state must ensure proper public information dissemination, staffing, and resources are in place.

Today's announcement is part of ongoing USDA efforts to help Iowa residents cope with severe storms' aftermath. This includes approving a 10-day reporting waiver for food purchased with SNAP benefits lost due to power outages resulting from the storms in multiple counties.

For more information about this aid or other available assistance, Iowa residents can dial 2-1-1 or (800) 972-2017. More details about Iowa SNAP can be found on the Iowa Department of Human Services website.

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service works through over 16 nutrition assistance programs such as school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC, and SNAP. Together these programs serve one in four Americans annually by promoting access to healthy food essential for health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.