TAMPA, Fla. — Florida residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and experienced food loss due to Hurricane Milton can now apply for replacement assistance, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced.

The storm, which devastated both the West and East coasts of Florida, left millions without power and caused extensive damage, leading to widespread food spoilage. To help families recover, SNAP recipients can apply for food replacement by October 19, 2024. (food replacement snap)

Eligibility and How to Apply

To qualify for food replacement, individuals must:

• Be current SNAP recipients.
• Provide proof of a power outage lasting four hours or more, or evidence of food loss due to storm damage.
• Complete the food replacement form online through their MyACCESS account.

For most counties, including Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, and Volusia, proof of a power outage is not required to submit a claim.

Residents in Brevard, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, and Sumter Counties must complete the online replacement form and upload supporting documentation through the MyACCESS Portal, selecting “other” as the document type.

Click here to access the food replacement form.

Hot Food Purchases Temporarily Approved

In addition to food replacement, the DCF has temporarily approved the purchase of hot foods with SNAP benefits. Residents in Indian River, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Volusia Counties can use their SNAP EBT cards at participating retailers to buy hot meals through November 15, 2024. This measure is designed to ease the recovery process for those who are unable to prepare food at home due to power outages or damage.

Expanding Assistance Programs

To further support recovery efforts, Florida has streamlined several nutritional programs following Hurricane Milton. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), National School Lunch Program (NSLP), and Special Milk Program (SMP) have been temporarily adjusted to allow for more flexibility. Families can access meals in non-traditional settings and meal service times have been extended. These adjustments will remain in effect until November 8, 2024.

Florida SNAP recipients are urged to act quickly to apply for food replacement and make use of the expanded benefits aimed at helping those affected by Hurricane Milton.

For more information on eligibility and to access forms, visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website.