Lost Food Due to Hurricane Milton? SNAP Benefits Can Help!

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has announced a program to help SNAP recipients affected by Hurricane Milton. If you’ve lost food due to power outages or storm damage, you may be eligible for food replacement benefits.

This initiative helps SNAP participants recover some of their lost food expenses caused by the hurricane.

Let’s break down who qualifies, how to apply, and why this assistance is crucial for those impacted by Hurricane Milton.

What is the Hurricane Milton SNAP Food Replacement Program?

The SNAP Food Replacement Program is designed to help people and families on SNAP who lost food due to Hurricane Milton’s power outages and storm damage. The program covers part of the costs for replacing lost food, easing the burden on families already dealing with the hurricane’s aftermath.

Eligibility for SNAP Food Replacement Benefits

To qualify for this food replacement, you must:

1. Be an active SNAP recipient.
2. Submit a completed application by October 19, 2024.
3. Provide proof of food loss caused by Hurricane Milton’s power outages or storm damage, if required by your county.

Proof can include records of power outages lasting four hours or more or physical damage leading to food spoilage. In most counties, this proof can be uploaded through the MyACCESS account.

County-Specific Rules for Documentation

While some counties require proof of food loss, others do not. Here’s a breakdown:

• No Documentation Required: Volusia, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, and Citrus. Residents only need to submit the application form.
• Documentation Required: Brevard, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Sumter. In these counties, proof must be uploaded through MyACCESS, selecting “other” as the document type.

These requirements ensure that help reaches those most affected by the storm, based on the level of local impact.

Using SNAP Benefits for Hot Foods

To support families after the storm, DCF is allowing SNAP benefits to be used for purchasing hot, ready-to-eat foods at authorized retailers in select counties through November 15, 2024. This flexibility is essential for families facing difficulties in cooking meals due to power outages or home damage.

Eligible counties for hot food purchases include:

• Hillsborough, Highlands, Indian River, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Volusia.

This temporary benefit ensures access to nutritious meals when cooking isn’t an option.

How to Apply for SNAP Food Replacement Benefits

1. Log into MyACCESS: Complete the application form available in your MyACCESS account.
2. Submit Necessary Documents: If your county requires proof of food loss, upload it in the “other” category to ensure proper processing.
3. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by October 19, 2024.

If you need documentation, make sure it clearly indicates the amount and reason for food loss to speed up the application process. Keep copies of all submitted files for future reference.

Why SNAP Food Replacement Assistance Matters

This SNAP initiative provides essential help for low-income families recovering from the hurricane.

By covering food replacement costs and allowing hot food purchases, the program lightens financial pressure, allowing families to focus on rebuilding their homes and lives.

Having access to food relief through SNAP helps ensure that families can meet their nutritional needs as they recover.

Final Reminders

• Submit Applications by October 19, 2024.
• Check county-specific rules for documentation requirements.
• Use the temporary hot food allowance if available in your county, to ease immediate food needs.

This program is an essential part of Florida’s disaster response, directly supporting those affected by Hurricane Milton.