The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that residents in West Virginia affected by recent severe weather events may qualify for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This initiative aims to support nearly 3,000 households across four counties in West Virginia.
D-SNAP is designed to assist individuals who may not typically qualify for SNAP benefits but meet specific disaster-related criteria. "USDA is dedicated to helping West Virginians as they grapple with the aftermath of recent storms and its impacts," stated Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The program will be operational from March 17, 2025, to March 21, 2025, in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, and Wyoming counties. Additional details about application dates and locations will be disseminated via local media outlets.
Eligibility for D-SNAP requires that a household resides or works in an identified disaster area and meets other criteria related to income and expenses incurred due to the disaster. Eligible families will receive one month of benefits equivalent to the maximum monthly amount for a SNAP household of their size. These benefits can be used at authorized stores or select online retailers.
For those seeking more information on West Virginia's SNAP program or other aid options, contacting West Virginia’s Department of Human Services or dialing 2-1-1 is recommended.
Current SNAP beneficiaries in the affected areas are not eligible for D-SNAP but can request supplemental benefits if their current allotment does not reach the maximum level.
In addition to D-SNAP, USDA staff are collaborating with state officials and partners to expedite assistance to communities, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses impacted by these natural disasters. The department has implemented various flexibilities and waivers across its programs to facilitate recovery efforts swiftly.
