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More than 7,000 Households Receive Disaster Food Assistance on First Day of DSNAP Operation
DCFS offers ways to improve operation, reminds residents to pre-register to expedite DSNAP process
Monday's DSNAP operation began a six-day application period for designated flood-impacted areas in the parishes of East Feliciana, Iberia, Livingston, Pointe Coupee, St. Helena, St. Landry, Tangipahoa and Vermilion (see below for specific ZIP codes).
DSNAP provides eligible households, who do not currently receive regular SNAP benefits, with help buying groceries due to lost income or damages following a disaster.
"We were pleased to assist more than 7,000 people in our first day," said DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. "DSNAP is a massive operation and things went well in most locations. In others, we came across issues that were resolved quickly. We added additional computers and staff at sites that experienced longer wait times and believe things will be much smoother today for the thousands of people we are expecting.
"We want to do everything we can to minimize the time people spend in line and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience of those who had long waits. We do try to foresee every possible challenge and put things in place to address them," Walters said.
Here are some reminders and steps people can take to speed up the process:
- DSNAP is only for eligible residents in designated areas who have been impacted by the flood, but who are NOT receiving SNAP benefits. SNAP recipients should NOT visit a DSNAP site.
- DSNAP applicants should pre-register online at www.dcfs.la.gov/preregister or by phone at 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578) before visiting a DSNAP location.
- Check the schedule and locations below. Applicants will only be served on their scheduled day for their last name and during the scheduled week for their location. Some ZIP codes cross parish lines so be sure to check parish FIRST, before checking ZIP code.
- Although there are accommodations at DSNAP sites for the elderly and persons with disabilities, they can name an Authorized Representative to complete an application at a DSNAP site on their behalf.
- Authorized Representatives must bring a picture ID and the picture ID of the applicant/head of household they represent. They will also need a signed statement from the applicant/head of household or an adult household member authorizing them as a representative who can apply on their household's behalf.
DSNAP operations are underway in the following locations this week, through Saturday, August 27, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.:
- East Feliciana Parish ZIP Codes 70722, 70730, 70748, 70761, 70777, and 70791:
- Early Learning Center, 9414 Hwy 67 (Plank Road), Clinton
- Iberia Parish ZIP Codes 70518, 70528, 70552, 70560, 70563, 70582, and 70592:
- South LA Community College, 908 Ember Dr., New Iberia
- Livingston Parish (all ZIP codes):
- Amvets Post 68, 26890 Hwy 42, Springfield
- Judson Baptist Church, 32470 Walker North, Walker
- Pointe Coupee Parish ZIP Codes 70749, 70755, 70756, 70757, 70760, 70762, and 70783:
- Pointe Coupee Multi-Use Facility, 1400 Major Parkway, New Roads
- St. Helena Parish (all ZIP codes):
- Greater Turner Chapel AME, 875 Turner Chapel Rd, Greensburg
- St. Landry Parish (all ZIP Codes):
- Southeast Community Center, 101 City Avenue, Eunice
- Yambilee Building, 1939 W Landry St., Opelousas
- Tangipahoa Parish (all ZIP Codes):
- Eagle Heights Community Church, 47318 Rufus Bankston Rd., Tickfaw
- Vermilion Parish (all ZIP Codes):
- First Baptist Church, 210 N. St. Charles, Abbeville
To minimize wait times, applicants and anyone who pre-registered for benefits must go to the DSNAP location on the day indicated by the first letter of their last name. Residents with last names ending in A-D were served on Monday.
- Tuesday, August 23: E-K
- Wednesday, August 24: L-R
- Thursday, August 25: S-Z
- Friday, August 26: A-K applicants unable to make prior scheduled day
- Saturday, August 27: L-Z applicants unable to make prior scheduled day
Those applying for DSNAP MUST go to a specified DSNAP site for the parish where they resided during the disaster to apply and receive benefits, if eligible.
DSNAP Phase Two will begin Monday, August 29 through Saturday, September 3 for Acadia, Ascension, East Baton Rouge and Lafayette parishes. DSNAP Phase Three will begin the first week of September for all other approved DSNAP parishes.
Sites for these parishes will be announced once the locations are finalized.
About Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP)
DSNAP, formerly called Disaster Food Stamps, provides food assistance to eligible households who do not receive regular SNAP benefits and who need help buying groceries due to lost income or damages following a disaster. The program is funded by the USDA Federal Nutrition Service, which sets guidelines for the program. Residents should pre-register for the program at www.dcfs.la.gov/preregister.