Six counties in Kentucky affected by severe storms and an EF-4 tornado in May are now eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits, providing crucial food aid to residents impacted by the disaster.
The federal disaster declaration issued on May 24 has opened the door for emergency food assistance in Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg and Union counties, according to official sources. The program aims to support families who lost food or access to groceries due to power outages and storm damage.
D-SNAP Provides Short-Term Food Aid in Disaster Zones
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is designed to offer temporary food support in areas declared federal disaster zones.
After the recent storms in Kentucky, residents in the six eligible counties can apply for benefits from June 5 to June 12. The scheme supplements the regular SNAP benefits by helping households replace food lost due to weather-related disruptions.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed gratitude for the emergency funding, stating that it is a vital resource for those devastated by the historic storm.
According to the Department for Community-Based Services, applications can be submitted in person at local offices in the affected counties during designated hours or by phone through a dedicated call centre.
Residents who already receive SNAP benefits are eligible to apply for replacement assistance if their purchased food was destroyed by the disaster. This ensures that those most vulnerable receive help to maintain food security during the recovery period.
Access and Support Available for Affected Residents
The Department for Community-Based Services has established multiple application sites across the six counties, with operating hours tailored to accommodate applicants throughout the week. Specific Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) also provide extended hours in Laurel and Pulaski counties to facilitate access.
Applicants in the six eligible counties can apply for D-SNAP assistance at the following Department for Community-Based Services offices:
- Caldwell County: 300 MicBeth Drive, Princeton, KY, 42445
Hours: Thursday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Sunday, June 8 - Laurel County: 31 S. Laurel Road, London, KY, 40743
Hours: Thursday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Sunday, June 8 - DRC site, Laurel County: 120 College Park Dr., London, KY, 40741
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday, June 8
Pulaski County: 650 North Main St., Suite 250, Somerset, KY, 42501
Hours: Thursday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Sunday, June 8 - DRC site, Pulaski County: 2292 S. Highway 27, Somerset, KY, 42501
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; closed Sunday, June 8 - Russell County: 650 N. Main St., Jamestown, KY, 42629-0770
Hours: Thursday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Sunday, June 8 - Trigg County: 277 Commerce St., Cadiz, KY, 42211
Hours: Thursday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Sunday, June 8 - Union County: 717 U.S. Hwy. 60 East, Morganfield, KY, 42437
Hours: Thursday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Sunday, June 8
In addition to in-person applications, residents and business owners can apply online via DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling federal disaster assistance hotlines. Special provisions are in place to assist those who are deaf or hard of hearing through TTY services.
