Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster.
In Florida, D-SNAP is administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). However, the specific locations where D-SNAP is available can vary based on the occurrence and impact of a disaster.
D-SNAP in Florida
- Activation Post-Disaster: D-SNAP is activated after a major disaster declaration. The program is intended for those who don’t normally receive SNAP benefits but have sudden, disaster-related expenses.
- Temporary Assistance: D-SNAP benefits are provided on a temporary basis and are not intended for ongoing food assistance needs.
D-SNAP Onsite Locations
- Onsite D-SNAP events have ended in the following counties: Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor.
- The Department hosted in-person D-SNAP events for residents who could not participate by phone in these counties.
How To Find D-SNAP Locations in Florida?
- Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF): The DCF website is the primary source for information on D-SNAP locations and application details. After a disaster, the DCF typically updates its website with relevant information, including where and how to apply for D-SNAP.
- Local News and Media: Local news outlets often provide updates on disaster relief efforts, including information about D-SNAP availability and locations.
- Community Centers and Local Government Offices: In the aftermath of a disaster, local community centers, town halls, and government offices often become information hubs for relief services, including D-SNAP.
- Social Media and Online Forums: Social media platforms and local online forums can be useful for real-time updates on D-SNAP and other disaster relief services.
Eligibility for D-SNAP
- Applicants must not be receiving regular SNAP benefits.
- They must have been living or working in a disaster-declared county at the time of Hurricane Idalia.
- Applicants must have suffered a disaster-related loss, such as damage to their home or self-employment property, loss of food, reduction or loss of income, or other disaster-related expenses.
- Financial eligibility requirements must be met.
- Applicants must report net income and assets during the specified period.
Benefits Available through D-SNAP
- Eligible recipients participating in the telephonic D-SNAP event will receive an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card by mail, which can be used to purchase food at authorized USDA food retailers.
- The EBT card cannot be used for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or non-food items.
For more detailed information or updates, you may want to visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website.