Sumter County, FL
11/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/08/2024 14:39
Sumter County Not Eligible for USDA Disaster SNAP Assistance Following Hurricanes Helene and Milton
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that residents in 24 Florida counties affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton may be eligible for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). However, Sumter County is not eligible to participate in the program due to the threshold requirements for disaster-related assistance.
To qualify for D-SNAP, the USDA requires that a county experience at least 50% electricity loss as a result of the disaster. According to official reports from local utility companies, Sumter County experienced a 23% loss in power following the storms, which does not meet the 50% threshold necessary for USDA eligibility.
We understand the hardship many families have experienced in the aftermath of the hurricanes, and we remain committed to supporting our community by providing available resources. For more information on assistance programs or if you need help connecting to local services, please visit our recovery resources page at www. sumtercountyfl.gov/recovery or contact our citizens information center at 352-689-4400.
We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these challenges together.