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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that individuals in parts of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee affected by Tropical Storm Helene may qualify for food assistance through the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Approximately 982,930 households in Georgia, 152,572 households in North Carolina, and 54,692 households in Tennessee may be eligible for this relief to assist with grocery expenses.

Through the D-SNAP program, individuals who may not typically qualify for SNAP in normal circumstances can participate if they meet specific criteria, including disaster income limits and qualifying disaster-related expenses.

Secretary Vilsack stated, “USDA is dedicated to ensuring that families, farmers, and communities impacted by recent hurricanes receive the support they need, including assistance with grocery expenses as they navigate significant disruption in their lives.”

For Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, D-SNAP application dates and eligible counties have been outlined. Additionally, USDA has approved waivers and provided resources to assist residents in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, such as allowing SNAP participants to purchase hot foods with their benefits and issuing mass replacements for lost benefits due to power outages.

To apply for D-SNAP, households must reside or work in an identified disaster area, have been affected by the disaster, and meet eligibility criteria. Eligible households will receive one month of benefits and can use them to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized stores or select online retailers. Residents can find more information about each state’s SNAP program on their respective government websites.

In addition to D-SNAP, USDA staff are working with states, local officials, and partners to provide support to affected communities, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses. The department is committed to offering flexibilities and assistance to aid in recovery efforts.

Overall, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service works to combat hunger and improve food security through various nutrition assistance programs. For more information and updates on USDA’s response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visit the Disaster Resource Center on their website.

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USDA is dedicated to equal opportunity and is an equal provider, employer, and lender.

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