USDA approves waiver for SNAP participants in Arkansas and others who are recovering from the tornadoes in March

Little Rock, Arkansas – In the counties affected by the tornadoes on March 31, users of the Arkansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program now have some freedom.

Through April 30, SNAP beneficiaries in the counties of Cross, Lonoke, and Pulaski are able to purchase hot foods thanks to new regulations established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services. The 10-day restriction has been lifted, and recipients now have until May 1 to report food loss as a result of a power outage.

USDA is also enabling the state to provide affected county residents with USDA commodities even if they do not ordinarily meet the requirements for food assistance. In an emergency, no proof of income is needed.

Call the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas at 870-932-3663 or the Arkansas Foodbank at 501-565-8121 if you reside in Cross, Lonoke, or Pulaski County. They can contact the DHS Commodity Distribution Office by phone at 501-371-1400 or by email.

Resources for persons impacted by the tornado are listed on a DHS website. The state keeps a webpage with a list of resources and places where people can donate or volunteer.