FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2005
CONTACT: Zoraya Suarez (850) 488-4855
DCF Rushes Food Stamps to Panhandle in
Response to Hurricane Katrina
TALLAHASSEE – In response to the
substantial effects of Hurricane Katrina, the Department of
Children & Families (DCF), in partnership with the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA), is lifting the staggered
issuance of the September food stamp benefits. This advance
measure is intended to ensure that storm-impacted residents
have an adequate food supply during the aftermath and
recovery period.
The early distribution applies only to
participants of the regular food stamp program in Okaloosa,
Escambia, and Santa Rosa Counties. By lifting the staggered
issuance for September, current food stamp recipients will
be able to access their full allotment September 1, by using
their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to begin
immediate recovery efforts from the storm.
Currently, in
Okaloosa County 3,685 families receive food stamp benefits,
while 10,354 families receive food stamp benefits in
Escambia County, and 3,050 families receive food stamp
benefits in Santa Rosa.
To learn more about the Food Stamp
program please call 1-866-76ACCES (1-866-762-2237) or visit
http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/.
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