USDA announces approval of D-SNAP for Tennessee Disaster Areas

Low-income Tennessee residents recovering from recent severe storms in three counties could be eligible for a helping hand from USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) announced today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Households who are not normally eligible under regular SNAP rules may qualify for D-SNAP if they meet the disaster income limits and have qualifying disaster-related expenses.
“USDA always stands ready to assist those in need when devastation like the storms in Tennessee occur,” said Southeast Regional Administrator, Willie C. Taylor. “D-SNAP will help residents in the stricken areas put food on the table as they work to recover from this disaster.”
To be eligible for D-SNAP, a household must either live or work in an identified disaster area, have been affected by the disaster, and meet certain D-SNAP eligibility criteria. Eligible households will receive one month of benefits – equal to the maximum amount for a SNAP household of their size – that they can use to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized stores or from select retailers online to meet their temporary food needs as they settle back home following the disaster.
The timing of D-SNAP varies with the unique circumstances of each disaster; but always begins after the commercial channels of food distribution have been restored and families are able to purchase and prepare food at home. Before operating a D-SNAP, a state must ensure that the proper public information, staffing, and resources are in place.
In addition, local disaster organizations are able to utilize USDA Foods to serve hot meals in congregate shelters. Individuals seeking more information about this and other available aid should call for assistance at 1- 866-311-4287. For more information about Tennessee SNAP, visit the Tennessee Department of Human Services website.
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide science-based nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy. Follow us on Twitter at @USDANutrition.