District Responds to Low-Income Families
and Victims of Hurricane Isabel

Disaster Related Assistance

(Washington, D.C.) Families that receive benefits as part of the District’s Food Stamp Program will automatically receive a restoration of food stamps equal to one half of their regular allotment on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card beginning Friday, September 26, for replacement of lost food due to power outages that resulted from the storm.

“ We applaud the City for rapidly responding to the need of low-income residents who were devastated by the storm,” said Kimberly Perry, Director of D.C. Hunger Solutions, a local anti-hunger advocacy group. “The Income Maintenance Administration worked expeditiously with USDA and anti-hunger advocates to assure that policies were in place to assist low-income families and that effective outreach is done to get the word out that help is now available. ”

Any District resident who lost income or who may have disaster related expenses other than the loss of food, may also be eligible for additional assistance.

Disaster related benefits are available to all District residents who are victims of the storm, even if they are not currently receiving food stamps.

Individuals should contact their caseworker or visit an IMA Service Center to find out if they are eligible. Applications will be accepted Friday, September 26 through Monday, October 6, 2003.

For help in identifying a Service Center, call 202-724-5506.

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D.C. Hunger Solutions, a project of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), is dedicated to fighting hunger and improving the nutrition, health and well-being of District residents.

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