Food stamps available

Posted: Thursday, May 26, 2011 11:58 am

The Messenger, May 26, 2011
The state Department of Human Services has started issuing food stamps to eligible residents of flood damaged areas, including Obion County.
The United States Department of Agriculture-approved benefits, known by the acronym SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) are being made available at each of four Disaster Recovery Centers set up across the region. Locally, Disaster Recovery Centers are set up in the Obion Community Center across from Obion City Hall and at the National Guard Armory in Tiptonville.
Flood victims can visit either of the two centers from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. through June 1 to apply for food stamp assistance.
Residents who sustained flood-related losses or damages and who are not currently receiving SNAP assistance but are interested in applying for benefits must bring identification, address information, Social Security verification, statements of income or resources and estimated disaster expenses to one of the centers.
A DHS representative will be at the center to make eligibility determinations and, if approved, flood victims will be issued an electronic benefit transfer card that same day.The benefits represent up to a one-month allotment of food stamps for the appropriate household size and the cards can be used for up to three months at any authorized SNAP grocery retailer, according to the DHS.