Disaster Food Assistance: A Lifeline for Flood-Affected Residents

In the wake of the recent extreme rainfall and flooding that have devastated parts of Iowa, the state's Department of Health and Human Services is offering a critical lifeline to affected residents through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This program provides temporary food assistance to individuals and families who may not normally qualify for the regular SNAP program, but have experienced storm-related losses.

Empowering Flood Victims to Rebuild and Recover

Eligibility and Application Process

The D-SNAP program is being made available to residents in Buena Vista, Cherokee, O'Brien, and Woodbury counties, following the recent approval of a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Individuals who may have experienced storm-related losses, such as damage to their homes, loss of income, or increased expenses, may be eligible to receive these disaster food assistance benefits.To apply, residents can call a dedicated hotline at 877-828-5648 on specific dates and times: Monday, July 15th from 1 to 6pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to 6pm, and Friday from 9am to 4pm. Alternatively, they can apply in person at the Cherokee Mental Health Institute on Monday, July 15th during those same hours.

Disaster Food Assistance Benefits

Eligible individuals and households will receive food assistance benefits on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, equivalent to the maximum allotment of SNAP benefits for their household size. These disaster food assistance benefits can be used to purchase food at any SNAP-authorized retailer, including farmers markets and certain online retailers.In addition, residents in the affected counties of Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, O'Brien, Palo Alto, and Pocahontas can use both their regular SNAP benefits and the Disaster Food Assistance benefits to purchase hot foods at participating retailers until August 1st. This provides an added layer of flexibility and support for those who may be struggling to prepare meals in the aftermath of the flooding.

Expanding Access and Inclusivity

The D-SNAP program is designed to be more inclusive than the regular SNAP program, allowing individuals and families who may not normally qualify based on their income to receive much-needed food assistance during this challenging time. This ensures that those who have been hit hardest by the flooding, regardless of their financial situation, can access the resources they need to feed themselves and their families.By offering this Disaster Food Assistance program, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services is demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting its residents and helping them navigate the complexities of recovery. This initiative not only provides immediate relief but also serves as a testament to the state's resilience and its unwavering dedication to the well-being of its communities.