The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that residents in Florida affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton can qualify for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
It’s estimated that 407,733 households across 24 counties in Florida are expected to be eligible for this support to help with grocery expenses during their recovery.
Helping households recover from hurricanes
D-SNAP is designed to assist individuals who might not typically qualify for SNAP benefits, allowing those affected by disasters to access food assistance based on specific criteria, including income limits and disaster-related expenses.
In addition to Florida, the USDA has also expanded D-SNAP eligibility to parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, with five additional counties in Georgia recently added to the list. The USDA continues to work closely with state officials to make sure that affected residents receive proper assistance.
Florida’s D-SNAP application process
Florida’s D-SNAP application process will work in three phases. The first phase will open for certain counties from October 28 to October 31, allowing applications by phone, followed by onsite application opportunities starting November 1 and continuing through December 9.
The next phases will serve additional counties with similar application timelines in early and mid-November.
USDA has also authorised measures allowing current SNAP participants in the affected areas to purchase hot foods and prepared meals, easing food access during this recovery period. The agency has also approved administrative flexibilities for multiple nutrition programs to support communities.
How does D-SNAP work?
To qualify for D-SNAP, households must live in designated disaster areas and show that they have been affected by the hurricanes. Eligible households will receive one month of benefits, equating to the maximum amount for their household size, which can be used to purchase groceries at certain retailers.
USDA is actively collaborating with local and state agencies to ensure quick support for communities, farmers, and small businesses in the aftermath of the hurricanes. In addition to food assistance, the USDA has expedited crop insurance payments and is purchasing fresh citrus to distribute to food banks nationwide.
Residents looking for more information on D-SNAP or other available assistance can contact local resources or visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website.
