DCF Rushes Food Stamps in Response to Hurricane Wilma

--12 South Florida Counties receive relief--

TALLAHASSEE � The Department of Children & Families (DCF), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is speeding up the November distribution of food stamp benefits to Friday, October 28th in response to the disastrous effects of Hurricane Wilma. The measure is intended to ensure that storm-impacted residents have an adequate food supply during the hurricane recovery period.

The advance distribution applies only to participants of the regular food stamp program in the following counties: Indian River, Okeechobee, Glades, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, Lee, Hendry, Collier, Broward, Monroe, and Miami-Dade. By lifting the staggered issuance for November, current food stamp recipients will be able to access their designated allotment tomorrow by using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to begin immediate recovery efforts from the storm.

Currently, approximately 289,566 households will benefit from this waiver and will result in an estimated $49,722,237 in food stamp benefits.

Regular food stamp recipients may use their benefits to purchase hot prepared foods through November 30th. This rule change will help those who lost their homes and cooking equipment as a result of hurricane season.

More information on the Food Stamp program is available at 1-866-762-2237 or visit http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ebt/.

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