Mississippi’s low-income households affected by Winter Storm Fern are receiving vital assistance through emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Following federal approval, the state is stepping in to replace lost food for those impacted by severe weather conditions, providing essential support to those struggling with food insecurity.
The replacement benefits come after Winter Storm Fern wreaked havoc across Mississippi in late January. The storm caused widespread power outages, resulting in the spoilage of food for thousands of households. Now, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) is working to provide swift relief to those affected. This comes as a vital lifeline for many families who rely on SNAP benefits, particularly after the storm’s widespread disruptions.
Emergency Assistance Across Mississippi’s Affected Counties
According to the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has authorized the provision of emergency replacement SNAP benefits to households in the hardest-hit counties. The damage from Winter Storm Fern, which occurred over the weekend of January 24-25, left a trail of power outages, tree damage, and downed power lines. These conditions made it difficult for many to preserve food, especially in low-income households that depend on SNAP.
For residents in 15 counties hardest affected by the storm, relief will be issued automatically. According to MDHS, no additional forms are required for those eligible. Households in these counties can expect replacement benefits based on their regular SNAP allotment, which will be deposited directly into their accounts. MDHS has stated that the timing of the payments may vary, so residents are encouraged to regularly check their SNAP accounts for updates.
The 15 counties that are receiving automatic assistance include Alcorn, Choctaw, Claiborne, Grenada, Holmes, Humphreys, Lafayette, Montgomery, Panola, Sharkey, Tallahatchie, Tippah, Tishomingo, Yalobusha, and Yazoo. MDHS officials have emphasized that this automatic approach aims to expedite the process of getting help to the most severely affected households.
Extended Deadline for Application in Other Affected Counties
While automatic replacements are being provided in the 15 hardest-hit counties, households in another 28 counties have until February 23 to apply for replacement benefits. According to the MDHS, a waiver approved by FNS grants residents additional time to request aid. This extended deadline is a response to the ongoing effects of the storm, including power outages that continue to disrupt daily life.
Eligible counties for this extended deadline include Adams, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Coahoma, Desoto, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson, Lee, Leflore, Lowndes, Madison, Marshall, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Sunflower, Tate, Tunica, Union, Warren, Washington, Webster, and Wilkinson. MDHS has urged affected residents to apply online using a secure document upload system on the agency’s website.
However, there are some key criteria that residents must meet in order to qualify for replacement benefits. According to MDHS, only current SNAP recipients can receive the aid, and the replacement amount cannot exceed the household’s regular benefit level. Additionally, food loss must be due to a weather-related power outage lasting more than four hours or another disaster event such as snow or floods.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in Mississippi and to support households that face financial difficulties in the aftermath of extreme weather events. The replacement benefits aim to ensure that those who have lost their food during Winter Storm Fern can access the nutrition they need to recover.
