According to Vibes.okdiario , Since Saturday, November 16, Florida has begun rolling out the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to support communities heavily impacted by recent hurricanes. The program provides critical food assistance to individuals and families who are not currently enrolled in the regular SNAP program but have experienced financial or material losses due to the disaster.
One of the main distribution centers is at the Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter in Pasco County, located on Denton Avenue. The goal of this initiative is to help those struggling to meet basic needs due to the devastation caused by the hurricanes.
What is D-SNAP and Who Qualifies?
D-SNAP is a federal assistance program designed for people who are not receiving regular SNAP benefits but have been severely impacted by a disaster. According to Cindy Long from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the program is for individuals and families who have experienced income loss, property damage, displacement, or food spoilage caused by power outages or flooding.
It’s important to note that individuals already receiving SNAP benefits do not qualify for D-SNAP and should not visit D-SNAP service locations. This program is exclusively for those who meet disaster-related eligibility criteria and are not currently enrolled in SNAP.
How to Apply for D-SNAP
To streamline the application process, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) recommends that individuals pre-register online before visiting a service point. The online registration portal will remain open throughout the event, helping applicants begin the application process from home.
At the service locations, applicants will need to undergo an interview, which can be conducted in person or over the phone. If approved during the phone interview, recipients will receive an EBT card by mail, granting them access to the program’s benefits.
D-SNAP Service Locations in Florida
Here are some of the key service locations and dates for D-SNAP distribution:
Citrus County
- Location: College of Central Florida – Lecanto Campus
- Address: 3800 South Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
- Dates: November 16–18, 2024
- Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Also Read – Social Security Recipients Get Double Payments and a 2.5% Boost in November
Pasco County
- Location: Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter
- Address: 11611 Denton Avenue, Hudson, FL 34667
- Dates: November 16–18, 2024
- Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Highlands County
- Location: Highlands County Fairgrounds – Alan Jay Arena
- Address: 781 Magnolia Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870
- Dates: November 18–20, 2024
- Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Importance of D-SNAP After Hurricanes
Hurricanes cause extensive property damage, disrupt local supply chains, destroy crops, and leave families with unexpected costs. D-SNAP plays a vital role in providing relief to individuals and families who are struggling to access food during such a crisis. In rural areas, where resources can be limited, this program is crucial in helping those most affected by the disaster.
When the federal government declares a disaster, D-SNAP is activated to allow state and local authorities to offer immediate support to the hardest-hit communities.
This program is an essential resource for helping Floridians recover from the impact of recent hurricanes. If you live in one of the affected areas, be sure to take advantage of this assistance by registering promptly and visiting the nearest service point within the designated dates.
For more information, visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website or reach out to your local service point.
- Find Your SNAP Payment Date in December: Up to $1,756 for Eligible Families - December 3, 2024
- Maximize Your CalFresh Benefits: Apply for SNAP Checks Up to $1,756 in California - December 3, 2024
- SNAP: December CalFresh Payments in California – Up to $1,756 for Large Families - December 3, 2024
