Aid Offered To GA SNAP Recipients Who Lost Food During Helene

GEORGIA — When Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on much of Georgia last week, the storm caused electricity to shut down, forcing the chain reaction of loss of food.

Georgia emergency management officials on Thursday said some of the residents affected by food loss can receive state aid.

State officials are offering assistance to people who received benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in September. People who experienced a power outage of at least four hours due to Helene can have their food replaced, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency said.

“Thousands of Georgians are coping with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene," said Candice Broce, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services, in a news release. "While they face many challenges, we want to ensure they can continue to feed their families as they work to restore their lives and homes. We have a number of ways for SNAP customers to request replacement benefits, and DHS stands ready to assist our communities in the days ahead.”

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Applicants have ten days from the date of loss to request food replacement, GEMA said.

A food loss replacement form stating the amount of food loss must be completed for the loss to be reported to the Division of Family and Children Services.

A PDF version of the form can be printed. Applicants can also retrieve the forms from their local DFCS office and either mail them or submit them in person.

DHS said some DFCS offices have experienced power outages. The department has listed current office closures.