Beginning on Saturday, November 16, the state of Florida has begun a special food aid rollout that is aimed at towns that have been heavily impacted by previous hurricanes.
Individuals and families that are experiencing financial or material losses and are not currently getting food assistance through the standard SNAP program are eligible to receive assistance under the D-SNAP program, which is also known as the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Service stations have been established in other counties.
At the Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter in Pasco County, which is situated on Denton Avenue, there is one of the primary distribution hubs currently in operation.
This project aims to provide much-needed support in the form of food to individuals who are suffering to satisfy their fundamental requirements as a result of the effect of the hurricanes.
What is D-SNAP and who qualifies for it?
People who are not enrolled in the standard SNAP program but are experiencing unusual circumstances as a result of a disaster are eligible for the D-SNAP program, which is a federal assistance program intended for those individuals.
The program is intended aid individuals and families that have suffered a loss of income, damage to their property, displacement, or food spoilage as a result of power outages or flooding, as stated by Cindy Long, who works for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
It is essential to keep in mind that individuals who are currently receiving SNAP benefits should not go to D-SNAP service sites.
This program is reserved solely for those who are not participating in SNAP but who meet the qualifying requirements connected to disasters.
How to apply for D-SNAP
It is recommended by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) of Florida that applicants complete an online pre-registration before going to any service sites. This is done in order to speed the process.
Due to the fact that the online portal will stay accessible during the duration of the event, it will be much simpler for prospective recipients to initiate the application process.
Applicants will be required to participate in an interview at the service sites, which may take place in person or over the phone.
In the event that the users are granted approval during the telephone interview, they will be able to access the benefits of the program once they have received their EBT card through the mail.
D-SNAP service locations in Florida
The following is a list of some of the D-SNAP service points, along with the locations, dates, and hours of operation:
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.
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.
Why programs like D-SNAP are essential after hurricanes
Hurricanes not only create an extensive amount of property damage, but they also cause disruptions in supply lines, kill crops, and leave households with expenses that were not anticipated.
Programs such as the Defense Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) offer essential assistance to individuals who struggle to obtain food, particularly in rural areas where resources are frequently more limited.
In the event that the federal government declares a catastrophe in a particular region, these programs are activated.
This enables state and municipal authorities to provide direct assistance to the communities that have been specifically impacted by the disaster.
In order to assist the communities of Florida in recovering after the terrible consequences of hurricanes, the D-SNAP program is an essential resource that offers essential assistance.
In spite of the fact that it is directed primarily toward individuals who do not get SNAP on a regular basis, it offers crucial assistance in dealing with the issue of food insecurity during times of extreme need.
It is highly recommended that you take advantage of this program if you live in one of the affected areas. It is important to keep in mind that the successful receipt of aid is contingent upon timely registration and attendance at the nearest service site within the allotted dates.