Newsroom > DHHS News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2008

CONTACT
Kathie Osterman, Communications and Legislative Services (402) 471-9313

Lincoln – The Department of Health and Human Services has said the first of the Disaster Food Stamp Assistance locations to open – those from the storms of late May and early June – are closing at the end of business today.

"The Disaster Food Stamp Assistance sites in Lexington, Kearney, Schuyler, Ceresco and at the Millard Fire Station in Omaha (7010 South 142^nd St.) will close today," said Todd Landry, director of the DHHS division of Children and Family Services. "We're thankful that the United States Department of Agriculture approved the disaster Food Stamp program in these communities that were hit so hard by the storms earlier this summer."

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service approved the operation of these sites through today. By last week, these sites had approved disaster assistance for over 375 households, with disaster Food Stamp benefits of over $183,000.

Omaha

Three sites in Omaha will remain open through July 21 to serve people hit by the June 27 storm that triggered power outages for thousands of people. They are open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and are closed on Sunday.

The three Omaha sites open through July 21 are:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Hall, 5005 S 23^rd St.
Family Resource Center, 3040 Lake St.
Salvation Army gymnasium, 24^th and Pratt

The DHHS Office at 12001 Q St. is no longer a disaster Food Stamp assistance site.

Under this special disaster program, there is a limit of one month’s assistance. Some people who apply already receive food stamp benefits and need to get their spoiled food replaced, and some have never received food stamps before but need assistance to help them recover from the storm. Once a person applies, their benefits will be available within three to five days. People who currently receive regular food stamps may see the disaster benefits put on their EBT card in two parts, on different days.

Applicants must bring documents to prove their identity (such as driver’s license, wage stub, birth certificate) and where they live (such as rent or mortgage receipt, post office records, utility bills, driver’s license). Disaster Food Stamp Assistance applications will be audited after the event. People who get benefits they are not entitled to will be required to pay them back.

For more information about the Disaster Food Stamp Assistance for the Omaha area, contact DHHS at (402) 595-3400.

Note: Disaster Food Stamp Assistance is a program of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service. It is not a FEMA program and FEMA services may continue at the sites today.