The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that residents in Kentucky affected by recent severe weather events may qualify for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This program aims to support approximately 11,500 households across 13 counties in Kentucky who are struggling with grocery expenses due to the impact of storms, tornadoes, and flooding.
The USDA offers D-SNAP in disaster situations, allowing individuals who would not typically qualify for SNAP benefits to receive assistance if they meet specific criteria related to income and disaster-related expenses. "USDA is dedicated to helping individuals and families in Kentucky as they grapple with the aftermath of recent severe storms and tornadoes," stated U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. "We are expediting disaster assistance programs and working closely with state and local partners to provide support to impacted individuals as quickly as possible."
Kentucky will accept both virtual and in-person D-SNAP applications from May 7 through May 14, 2025. The eligible counties include Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen, and Woodford. Further details regarding application procedures will be disseminated via local media outlets.
Eligibility for D-SNAP requires a household either living or working within an identified disaster area and having been affected by the disaster. Qualifying households will receive one month of benefits equivalent to the maximum monthly SNAP amount for their household size. These benefits can be used at authorized stores or select online retailers.
In addition to announcing D-SNAP availability, the USDA has taken other steps to aid Kentucky residents impacted by severe weather:
- A waiver permitting SNAP participants in 52 counties to purchase hot foods using their benefits until May 31.
- Waivers allowing flexibility on reporting requirements for food losses due to power outages.
While existing SNAP recipients do not qualify for D-SNAP benefits directly under this announcement, supplemental SNAP benefits will automatically be issued in the approved counties where necessary.
