Tennessee Announces Food Benefits for Those Impacted by Hurricane Helene

NASHVILLE (October 14) — The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced today that the department will provide additional food assistance for Tennesseans impacted by Hurricane Helene. Effective immediately, qualifying households who lived or worked in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties that experienced loss as a result of the hurricane are now able to pre-register for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.

Additionally, TDHS has secured federal approval for a temporary Hot Foods Waiver in 13 counties including: Carter, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. This waiver allows both SNAP and D-SNAP recipients to purchase hot and prepared meals at participating USDA-authorized EBT retailers through November 30, 2024.

D-SNAP benefits are provided through an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers who accept electronic benefit transfer (EBT). These cards will be mailed to qualifying households following approval.

D-SNAP applicants must meet income limits and will receive benefits determined by USDA Food and Nutrition Services guidance. Each applying household’s monthly take-home income and accessible liquid resources during the disaster benefit period minus disaster expenses must not exceed the income limit for the household size. For example, a household of three must meet the limit of $3,068 or less.

Additionally, to be eligible, individuals or households must have experienced at least one of the following conditions as a direct result of the severe weather event: damage to or destruction of the home or self-employment business; loss or inaccessibility of income including a reduction or termination of income or a significant delay in receiving income due to disaster related problems; disaster-related expenses (home or business repairs, temporary shelter, evacuation, etc.) that are not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster benefit period; and food loss.

Recipients of Tennessee’s regular SNAP program are not eligible to receive D-SNAP.

Hot Foods Waiver — TDHS has received federal approval to provide vital relief to SNAP households affected by Hurricane Helene by implementing a temporary SNAP Hot Foods Waiver. Effective immediately and running through November 30, 2024, residents in Carter, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties who receive SNAP (and D-SNAP) benefits will be allowed to use their benefits to purchase hot and prepared foods at USDA FNS-authorized EBT retailer food stores.

This waiver is crucial in addressing the needs of families who are facing prolonged power outages, boil water advisories, and displacement from their homes due to the hurricane. By allowing the purchase of hot and prepared foods, TDHS aims to ensure that those most adversely affected by the disaster have access to nutritious meals during this challenging time.

SNAP and D-SNAP households in the approved counties are encouraged to visit USDA FNS-authorized retailers and use their benefits to purchase hot, prepared meals as needed.