SNAP Benefits Extended

SNAP benefits have now been extended to those affected in the September 27 flood in Cocke County and the other eight counties in the disaster area. Earlier today, the Tennessee Department of Human Services said they have secured federal approval for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for the affected counties. Grainger, Hamblen and Sevier counties are also included in this although they are not in the disaster area. The funding allows both SNAP and D-SNAP recipients to purchase hot and prepared meals at participating USDA-authorized EBT retailers through November 30. D-Snap benefits work just like regular SNAP benefits through an EBT card that can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers that accept the EBT cards. The state says the cards will be mailed out to qualifying households upon approval.