Food Stamp Benefits for Hurricane Irene Victims Available at Galloway Library

Atlantic County residents have lined up at libraries throughout the county, including the county branch in Galloway, to apply for a nutrition program available to victims of Hurricane Irene.

Residents can apply for a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefit if they experienced extensive material losses as a result of Hurricane Irene or subsequent flooding, according to aclink.org. The county will process D-SNAP subsidy applications through Sept. 20.

D-SNAP is a one-time food assistance benefit that can be used for the purchase of certain food items. Residents not already receiving D-SNAP benefits and whose storm-related damages extend beyond loss of food due to power outages may be eligible. Benefits are made available via card similar to a debit/credit card.

Residents in need may apply for benefits at the during the following hours:

Sept. 13-15, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Sept. 16-17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sept. 19-20, 5-7:30 p.m.

Anyone who misses an appropriate date may apply on Sept. 20.

The State Department of Human Services' Division of Family Development is coordinating the effort with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Services.