Assistance program available to residents who suffered losses due to the disasters
In recent weeks, devastating Hurricanes Helene and Milton left thousands of families in Southwest Florida facing significant losses. Lack of electricity and damage to homes led to shortages of food and essential supplies, worsening conditions for those affected. In the face of this crisis, the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provided vital assistance to those in need, ensuring that families could access food assistance crucial to their recovery.
Eligibility requirements for the food assistance program
To qualify for benefits, residents must meet a number of specific criteria:
- Not receiving regular SNAP assistance: The program targets individuals who are not recipients of regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), but are facing hardship due to a disaster.
- Residency in a declared disaster area: Applicants must live in a hurricane-affected county where a natural disaster has been officially declared.
- Disaster-related losses: Applicants must have experienced significant losses due to the hurricanes, such as:
- Loss of food due to power outages or direct damage.
- Destruction of homes or property, especially for the self-employed.
- Reduction or loss of income due to the storm.
- Other additional expenses resulting from the disaster.
The Florida Department of Children and Families has been instrumental in implementing this program, working with the state to ensure that families can access the resources needed to overcome the immediate hardships caused by these natural disasters. With the help of D-SNAP, many people affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton have been able to mitigate the effects of food loss and other property damage.