The federal government approves disaster food stamps for 23 parishes severely impacted by the winter storms in February. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard said food assistance for a winter weather event is a first for Louisiana.
“There hasn’t been a time that we’ve actually operated during a winter event, but we are glad that we’re able to meet the needs of the people who need benefits,” said Howard.
Howard said if you lost food because of power outages during the winter storms from February 15th to the 18th you may be eligible.
“It’s different for every household it is dependent on their income or loss of income, expenses because of the disaster,” says Howard.
Because 23 parishes are approved DCFS will break down interviews for DSNAP into two Phases. Howard said the first phase is April 5th through the 10th for 11 parishes and then April 12th through the 17th for the remaining 12 parishes and they will be using the alphabet system by last name to register.
Howard said if you received SNAP benefits already in February 2021 you are not eligible but residents who began receiving benefits after February may be eligible. She urges you to preregister at their website.
“And just remember that preregistration is not the same as an interview. So if you’ve already preregistered you still need to call on those dates to actually apply for DSNAP benefits,” says Howard.
For a breakdown of parishes and interview dates and to preregister, visit dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP
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