Disaster Food Stamps 2024: Eligible Counties for D-SNAP Following Helene and Milton
According to Marca, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated food assistance for residents in Florida impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This program aims to support approximately 407,733 households across 24 counties by providing temporary aid for groceries during the recovery period.
Understanding D-SNAP
D-SNAP extends benefits to individuals who might not typically qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by considering disaster-specific criteria, such as income limits and disaster-related expenses. This initiative is part of the USDA’s ongoing efforts to support communities in rebuilding and ensuring families have access to essential food supplies following a crisis.
Eligible Counties for D-SNAP
Recently, the USDA expanded D-SNAP to parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The latest announcement adds five additional counties in Georgia—Dodge, McIntosh, Taliaferro, Thomas, and Warren—bringing the total number of counties eligible for assistance to 112 across the states affected by the hurricanes. The agency is working closely with state governments to offer essential support to more residents.
Application Process for Florida Residents
Residents in the following counties can apply for D-SNAP:
- Columbia
- Dixie
- Franklin
- Gilchrist
- Hamilton
- Jefferson
- Lafayette
- Levy
- Madison
- Suwannee
- Taylor
- Wakulla
Phone applications will be accepted from October 28 to October 31. For those who prefer to apply in person, applications will be accepted starting November 1. In-person applications will be available for three-day periods in each county, continuing through December 9.
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Next Phases of D-SNAP Applications
The next phase covers Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Residents in these areas can apply over the phone on November 4 and again from November 6 to November 8. In-person application opportunities will begin on November 9, with designated three-day periods for each county running until December 3.
Finally, for residents in Citrus, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, and Volusia counties, phone applications will be accepted from November 12 to November 15. In-person applications will start on November 16, with scheduled three-day windows for each county extending until December 15.
For more information and updates, residents are encouraged to check the USDA’s official website or contact local state agencies.
