USDA food assistance for Virginia counties
In response to the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene, the USDA has activated the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) for Virginia, providing vital food assistance to affected residents. This measure aims to ease the financial burden of grocery expenses for approximately 22,858 households across nine impacted counties.
D-SNAP eligibility is tailored to assist those impacted directly by the storm, offering relief to households that may not typically qualify under the standard SNAP guidelines.
This includes considering disaster-induced expenses and adjusted income limits to accommodate the extraordinary circumstances faced by these communities.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack reiterated the USDA’s dedication to supporting the recovery process for families, emphasizing the administration's role in helping them recover and rebuild. This commitment extends across affected states, with D-SNAP being a crucial component of the broader federal response to recent hurricanes.
The application period in Virginia is scheduled from November 18 to November 22, 2024. Eligible counties include Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe. To learn more about Virginia SNAP, please visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website.
This action by the USDA follows extensive preparations and coordination with state and local authorities to ensure that assistance is delivered efficiently and reaches those in need promptly, reflecting an ongoing effort to mitigate the effects of natural disasters through robust and responsive support programs.