The federal government has approved a plan authorizing Washington, Sumter, Choctaw and Mobile counties to accept food stamp applications from hurricane victims who are NOT currently receiving food stamp benefits.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which sets the regulations for the food stamp program, authorized Washington, Choctaw, and Sumter counties to accept applications for four days. The plan authorizes Mobile County to accept applications for five days.
"This is being done to help hurricane victims who need food assistance because of storm-related loss of income and other financial resources," said Alabama DHR Commissioner Page Walley. He noted that hurricane-related food loss alone does not make storm victims eligible for food stamp benefits.
Identification and proof of residence during Hurricane Katrina must be provided when applying for benefits. Eligible families in the authorized counties will receive their food stamp benefits via an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which should be received within five days of processing. Recipients who do not have a mailing address may pick up the card at the DHR office in the county where they applied for benefits.
Sumter County DHR will be accepting applications September 19-22, from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. at the Livingston Civic Center, 101 Country Club Road in Livingston, Alabama. Applications will be accepted first come, first served.
Washington County DHR will be accepting applications September 19-22, from 8 a. m. to 6 p.m. at the Chatom Community Center, 1809 Dixie Youth Drive, in Chatom, Alabama.
Choctaw County DHR will be accepting applications September 19-22, from 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. at the National Guard Amory, 1018 W. Pushmataha Street, in Butler, Alabama.
Mobile County DHR will be accepting applications September 23-27 at the Mobile Civic Center, 401 Civic Center Drive, from 7 a. m. to 6 p. m.