2024 D-SNAP Update: Eligible Counties for Disaster Food Stamps Amid Helene and Milton

According to Marca, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced food assistance for residents in Florida affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This initiative is designed to help approximately 407,733 households across 24 counties by providing temporary aid for groceries during the recovery period.

What is D-SNAP?

D-SNAP extends benefits to individuals and families who might not typically qualify for the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It considers disaster-specific criteria such as income limits and expenses related to the disaster. This program is part of the USDA’s ongoing efforts to support communities in their rebuilding efforts, ensuring that families have access to essential food supplies following a crisis.

Eligible Counties for D-SNAP

Recently, the USDA has expanded D-SNAP to additional parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The latest announcement includes five new counties in Georgia—Dodge, McIntosh, Taliaferro, Thomas, and Warren—bringing the total number of eligible counties to 112 across the states impacted by the hurricanes. The agency is actively collaborating with state governments to provide this vital support to more residents.

Application Process for Florida Residents

For residents in Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties, phone applications will be accepted from October 28 to October 31. Those who prefer to apply in person can start doing so on November 1.

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In-person applications will be available for three-day periods in each county, with the application process continuing through December 9.

Upcoming Application Phases

The next phase includes residents in Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, and Sarasota counties. Phone applications for these areas can be made on November 4, followed by in-person applications starting on November 9, with designated three-day application periods extending until December 3.

Finally, for residents in Citrus, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, and Volusia counties, phone applications will be accepted from November 12 through November 15. In-person applications will begin on November 16, with scheduled three-day windows for each county running until December 15.