A federal-state partnership is aiming to help individuals/families impacted by Hurricane Ian but not already receiving food assistance benefits.

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Children and Families, is designed to provide food assistance to individuals or families that have been impacted by a disaster (Hurricane Ian, in this case). The agencies will implement this program in phases, starting with counties (including Sarasota) most directly impacted by the storm.

Sarasota County individuals/families interested in receiving assistance can begin the application process today (Oct. 10) by pre-registerting. Pre-registration is open for seven days: starting 1 a.m. today (Monday) and running through 11 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 16).

Once pre-registered, those seeking assistance will need to follow up with a phone interview to the D-SNAP Call Center at 850-663-1919 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EST) on the designated day listed below:

• Last name begins with A-F: Call on Thursday (Oct. 13)
• Last name begins with G-N: Call on Friday (Oct. 14)
• Last name begins with O-Z: Call on Saturday (Oct. 15)
• Any last name: Call on Sunday (Oct. 16)

To find out more information on who is eligible, what are the available benefits through D-SNAP, how to apply, and more, visit: https://myflfamilies.com/DSNAP/.

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