DHR to Issue Food Benefits Early in Tornado-Damaged Counties
MONTGOMERY - As part of the state's response to the tornado relief effort, current food assistance recipients in the 27 counties that sustained heavy damage will receive their May benefits early, state Department of Human Resources Commissioner Nancy Buckner announced today.
May food benefits will be available early to all current recipients in Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chilton, Colbert ,Cullman, DeKalb, Elmore, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Hale, Jackson, Jefferson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, and Walker Counties.
"Food assistance benefits are normally issued on a staggered schedule between the 4th and the 18th of each month. As part of the state’s tornado relief efforts, we requested and received a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service to accelerate the May issuance of benefits to current recipients in these counties," Commissioner Buckner explained.
She noted that the food assistance families in the affected counties do not have to do anything to receive their benefits early. “The benefits will be posted on May 1st to their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts and will be available Sunday,” Commissioner Buckner said.
Other programs designed to assist families with their nutritional needs are being pursued and will be announced as they become available.
All states operate the food assistance program according to regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.