The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that residents in Florida affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton may qualify for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This program is expected to aid approximately 407,733 households across 24 counties in Florida.
D-SNAP allows individuals who are not typically eligible for SNAP benefits to receive assistance if they meet certain criteria, including disaster-related expenses and income limits. The USDA is also extending D-SNAP eligibility to five additional counties in Georgia, bringing the total coverage area to 112 counties and one Tribe across the states impacted by the hurricanes.
“USDA is committed to making sure that families, farmers and communities impacted by recent hurricanes get the support they need, including help with grocery expenses as people grapple with significant disruption to their lives,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Biden-Harris Administration, including USDA, will do everything in our power to help you respond, recover and rebuild – no matter how long it takes.”
Florida will conduct its D-SNAP application process in three phases. Applications for certain counties will be accepted via phone or onsite from late October through mid-December. Residents can obtain more information by contacting Florida’s Division of Emergency Management or visiting relevant state websites.
In addition to D-SNAP, the USDA has approved waivers allowing SNAP participants in affected areas to purchase hot foods with their benefits and provided flexibilities in various nutrition programs. The department has also expedited assistance for agricultural producers and announced plans to purchase $25 million worth of fresh citrus from domestic producers for distribution.
For more details on how USDA is responding to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visit their Disaster Resource Center.
