USDA, industry unite to deliver critical aid through emergency SNAP benefits for storm-hit communities

Hurricane Helene, a category four storm, hit the southeast coast at the end of September impacting hundreds of thousands of homes. Approximately 982,930 households in Georgia, 152,572 in North Carolina and 54,692 in Tennessee are estimated to be eligible for D-SNAP relief, according to USDA. The agency also issued waivers and assistance to other states impacted by hurricane Milton, a category three storm, which landed near Siesta Key, Fla., on Oct. 9.

In its announcement today​, USDA increased coverage of D-SNAP across five more counties in Georgia, including Dodge, McIntosh, Taliaferro, Thomas and Warren. This increase brings the total area where D-SNAP is offered to 112 eligible counties and one Tribe across the states impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, according to USDA.

Households in 24 Florida counties also are eligible to receive assistance.

Through the D-SNAP program, individuals who may not qualify for regular SNAP benefits under normal circumstances can receive assistance if they meet criteria related to disaster-related income and expenses. This includes providing grocery assistance for “families, farmers and communities impacted by recent hurricanes,” said Tom Vilsack, USDA secretary.

Industry ensures food, household supplies remain accessible​

CPG companies donate products and aid to communities impacted by natural disasters. “It is important that the government does its part in expanding access to these essential goods … through programs like D-SNAP, as well as long term policies that protect the supply chain,” said Sarah Gallo, SVP of product policy, Consumer Brands Association, to FoodNavigator-USA.

FMI – The Food Industry Association collaborates with USDA and its members to ensure tools are available for communities to recover from disasters, the organization’s Chief Public Policy Officer, Jennifer Hatcher said to FoodNavigator-USA.

“Hot foods waivers, replenishment of lost benefits and D-SNAP are important options in times of crisis. FMI and our members work behind the scenes to ensure key food and household products are available in the impacted communities through these benefits,” Hatcher said.

This includes reprogramming computer systems to accept hot food waivers and ensure that families who are using D-SNAP for the first time can access the program.

“All of this work may be taking place using generators and alternate water sources, or in other challenging business environments,” Hatcher added, pointing out the importance of FMI and its members to coordinate with federal and state agencies and associations to ensure seamless access to these resources.

“Supermarkets are on the front lines,” Laura Strange, chief communications and engagement officer, National Grocers Association (NGA), told FoodNavigator-USA.

The NGA represents more than 21,000 privately held or family-owned grocery stores in the US, Strange said.

Grocers play a key role in ensuring access to essential products after disasters, and work with suppliers to manage inventory and keep shelves stocked “ensuring communities can recover quickly,” she added.

Eligibility details

Eligible households must reside or work in designated disaster areas and meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for D-SNAP benefits, which will be equal to the maximum monthly amount for their household size, according to USDA.

Georgia will implement D-SNAP in four phases with specific application dates and eligible counties outlined for each phase this month and next.

North Carolina’s D-SNAP period is from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24, while Tennessee’s runs from Oct. 21 to Oct. 25, with a list of eligible counties provided.

Applications for D-SNAP can be found through each state’s relevant agencies