D-SNAP Update: Food Stamp Eligibility Expanded for Hurricane Helene Affected States
According to Marca, In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits to residents in three affected states. The storm, which struck in late September, resulted in widespread destruction and claimed over 200 lives.
Targeted Aid for Affected Households
To support those impacted by the disaster, the USDA has announced targeted aid for households facing food insecurity. D-SNAP is designed to provide temporary food assistance to individuals who may not typically qualify for regular SNAP benefits but are experiencing financial hardship due to a natural disaster. While regular SNAP, or food stamps, offers ongoing support to low-income households, D-SNAP steps in during times of crisis.
Eligible States and Expected Households
According to the USDA, approximately 982,930 households in Georgia, 152,572 in North Carolina, and 54,692 in Tennessee are expected to qualify for this emergency relief. The rollout of D-SNAP benefits will occur in phases, with specific dates designated for each region within the states.
Georgia D-SNAP Implementation Phases
In Georgia, the D-SNAP program will be executed in four waves:
- Phase 1: From October 21 to October 26, 2024, residents in counties such as Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, and Long can apply.
- Phase 2: October 29 to November 4, 2024, will be for those in counties including Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Glynn, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, and Ware.
- Phase 3: Applications will be open from November 7 to November 14, 2024, in counties like Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, and Washington.
- Phase 4: The final phase runs from November 18 to November 23, 2024, covering Appling, Candler, Emanuel, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, and Wheeler counties.
North Carolina and Tennessee D-SNAP Details
In North Carolina, the D-SNAP application period is set for October 18 to October 24, 2024, with eligible counties including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.
Residents in Tennessee counties such as Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington can apply from October 21 to October 25, 2024.
Conclusion
The extension of D-SNAP benefits by the USDA aims to alleviate food insecurity for those affected by Hurricane Helene. Residents in the designated states are encouraged to apply during their respective phases to access this vital support.
