Food Assistance Program Launched for Hurricane Helene Victims in South Carolina

Food Assistance Coming for Families Affected by Hurricane Helene in South Carolina

Columbia, S.C. – Great news is on the way for many low-income families in South Carolina who faced tough times after losing food due to power outages caused by Hurricane Helene. On Friday, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) announced a new initiative aimed at providing much-needed relief to those impacted.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved a waiver that will automatically replace food benefits for families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This means that recipients in 28 counties that experienced prolonged power outages will soon see some of their benefits restored. Many of these counties are located in the Midlands region of the state.

Understanding the Impact

Hurricane Helene swept through the Carolinas, leaving many residents without power for hours and even days on end. This unfortunate situation resulted in families losing all their perishable foods, which is incredibly disheartening. In light of this challenge, DSS officials are stepping in to help.

“We are just so thankful for the electric utilities and county administrators who helped us gather the necessary information for the federal government to take action. These replacement benefits are 100% federally funded,” said Connelly-Anne Ragley, Chief External Affairs Officer at DSS.

What You Need to Know About Replacement Benefits

To qualify for the automatic replacement benefits, residents must already be enrolled in the SNAP program, previously known as the Food Stamp Program. It’s also important for SNAP recipients to reside in one of the 28 counties where at least 50% of the population experienced power cuts lasting longer than four hours.

Those who are eligible will automatically receive a replacement of 55% of their September benefits. No additional documentation is required for these recipients. DSS has mentioned that the replacement benefits should appear on their EBT cards by Tuesday, October 15.

“We hope this streamlined process will make it easier for folks to get the help they need without extra hassle,” Ragley added excitedly.

Options for Families Outside of the 28 Counties

For those who live in the remaining 18 counties that were not included in the automatic replacement waiver, there’s still hope! Families can apply for individual assistance, but they will need to provide some proof of the power outage. This could be a simple letter from a landlord, an insurance company, or even the utility provider.

The deadline to submit these individual applications has been graciously extended to October 26, giving families additional time to file. Ragley emphasized the importance of timeliness, “Under federal rules, you typically have two weeks from the event to file that affidavit of loss and the individual letter.” So, don’t wait too long!

Community Support and Additional Resources

Even if you aren’t eligible for SNAP, several organizations are working hard to assist our community during this tough time. The United Way of the Midlands has launched the Neighbors United Drive, which focuses on replenishing local food pantries and delivering aid to the hardest-hit counties.

“From our experiences with previous disasters, we’ve learned that we can accomplish so much more when we come together as a community,” said Jennifer Moore, VP of Community Impact at United Way of the Midlands.

Running through Monday, October 14, the Neighbors United Drive is accepting donations of nonperishable food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Those interested in donating can drop off items at their office located at 1818 Blanding Street in Columbia, with collection hours on Monday from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.. Monetary contributions are also welcome.

Additionally, the area’s largest food bank, Harvest Hope, is gearing up to assist residents facing food insecurity due to Helene’s aftermath. The food bank has an emergency pantry open daily from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M., ready to serve neighbors in need.

Teamwork in Tough Times

In times like these, it’s heartening to see the community come together to support one another. Whether through receiving food assistance or donating items to those in need, everyone plays a crucial role in helping families get back on their feet.

So, if you are one of the affected families, keep an eye out for those benefits on your EBT card next week, and if you’re able to lend a hand, remember to check out the donation drives happening right in your area. Together, we can weather the storm!