SNAP recipients to be reimbursed from food loss caused by Hurricane Lala

Current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients can receive replacement benefits after experiencing food loss during the severe weather and power outages associated with Hurricane Lala.

SNAP replacement benefits allow eligible households to be reimbursed for food purchased with SNAP benefits that was destroyed. The replacement amount will be based on the value of food lost, not to exceed the total monthly SNAP benefit issued to the household.

“Our priority is ensuring that families have access to essential resources as they rebuild, including the ability to replace food that was lost during severe weather and prolonged power outages,” said Gov. Josh Green. “These SNAP replacement benefits are an important step in supporting community resilience and helping households get back on their feet.”

“We know that many SNAP households experienced and are continuing to experience significant hardship because of Tropical Cyclone Lala,” said Department of Human Services Director Joseph Campos II. “By providing timely reimbursement for food that was destroyed, we aim to reduce stress on families and make sure they can continue to meet their nutritional needs as recovery efforts continue statewide.”

The Department of Human Services is committed to making the replacement process as straightforward as possible and is accepting applications statewide.

To qualify, SNAP recipients must submit a signed, written statement reporting the food loss within 10 days of the incident. The statement must include:

• The name of the SNAP participant
• Date of food loss (please provide a specific date; not a range)
• Estimated value of food lost (please provide a specific dollar amount; not a range)
• A description of what occurred and when
• Contact information for the participant

A sample written statement is available on the Department of Human Services website; however, recipients may submit their own written statement and are not required to use the sample form.

Written statements may be submitted to any Department of Human Services Processing Center statewide. Once received, submissions will be reviewed and validated. Approved applicants will receive replacement benefits following the review process.

For more information, participants are encouraged to visit the  Department of Human Services website or call the Statewide Public Assistance Information Line at 855-643-1643.