When Disaster Hits, SNAP Steps In
As part of larger disaster relief efforts, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) provides Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). The D-SNAP program reached 6 million households in fiscal years 2017 and 2018. People who live in an area affected by the disaster and meet the eligibility requirements can receive the program. Additionally, people who already receive SNAP benefits can receive additional benefits to replace food that spoiled during a power outage.
On September 6th, Hurricane Dorian made landfall in North Carolina as a Category 1 hurricane with 90 mph winds. In response to this natural disaster, the NC Department of Health and Human Services mobilized D-SNAP. In the 11 counties in North Carolina that experienced heavy power outages due to Hurricane Dorian, SNAP recipients received additional benefits in the amount of 30% of their August SNAP benefits.
Unfortunately, many of the people who have used mRelief to get SNAP in North Carolina were negatively impacted by Hurricane Dorian and were able to receive D-SNAP. One hurricane survivor in Brunswick County shared, “I was without power for 26 hours. I lost all of my food in the fridge and freezer about $400. Insurance did not cover it.”
Another in Jones County shared that due to the flooding, she was not able to get to work, and needed assistance purchasing groceries. She received D-SNAP and shared, “My case worker was very helpful and respectful. She took her time and listened, she did not make me feel judged. I found her to be very pleasant.”
A retired veteran in Jones County shared that he lost power for 8 days. He said, “They really came in handy because I was without power and needed to keep buying food.”
