The third phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP, opens today, Monday, Oct. 24 for Osceola residents affected by Hurricane Ian.

D-SNAP will provide food assistance to families and individuals affected by Hurricane Ian who are not already receiving food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), according to the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

“The first two phases of D-SNAP have been highly successful with $69.7 million disbursed to more than 112,000 households,” said Secretary Shevaun Harris. “The Department has been offering and encouraging families to use the phone option for their interview, and has hundreds of call center agents available each day to support these efforts. Our Department will continue to work hard to meet the needs of Floridians who have been affected by Hurricane Ian.”

The program is open to all Osceola County residents who meet the following eligibility criteria, to be determined by DCF:

  • Not currently receiving regular SNAP benefits
  • Be living or working in a disaster-declared county at the time of Hurricane Ian
  • Must meet financial eligibility requirements
  • Must have suffered a disaster-related loss such as: Damage to their home or self-employment property, loss of food, reduction or loss of income, other disaster-related expenses

The D-SNAP program is being implemented in phases and by county and pre-registration is required.

To view the D-SNAP schedule by county and details on how to apply, visit MyFLFamilies.com/DSNAP.

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, D-SNAP is implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF).

D-SNAP is being implemented in phases and by county. Pre-registration is required by all applicants. Applicants can then opt for a phone interview through the D-SNAP Call Center or visit a D-SNAP event for an on-site interview. Phone interviews are highly encouraged to help expedite service to eligible households. DCF will host in-person D-SNAP events for residents who cannot participate by phone. On-site interviews are not required if a phone interview is completed.