DCF food assistance resumes as DSNAP
After ensuring the process will move effectively, and with the utmost security the Department of Children and Family (DCF) will resume distribution under the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) from Monday November 7 to Wednesday, November 9 in Broward and Miami-Dade.
Last month, the DCF, in reaction to the disruption created to South Florida household as a result of power outages caused by Hurricane Irma on September 10, distributed food assistance, through food stamps to over 500,000 individuals in the region.
During the three-day distribution period, residents endured long lines for hours to receive assistance, which available to people who do not usually qualify for foods stamps.
Broward County location
The Broward County DSNAP distribution will be held at the BB&T Center in Sunrise
DCF has coordinated closely with the Sunrise Police Department, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Broward County Administration, United Way, the Red Cross, and the venue’s management to ensure safe and efficient operations.
According to the Sunrise Police Department, bags or personal items larger than 12 by 12 inches, backpacks, coolers, and chairs are not permitted.
Miami-Dade location
The Miami-Dade County DSNAP event will be held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. DCF said it has worked closely with the Miami-Dade Police Department and the venue’s management to ensure safe and efficient operations.
The stadium’s clear bag policy will be in effect for each day of this event.
Pre-registration urged
DCF also advise residents intending to seek food assistance to take advantage of online/pre-registration prior to visiting a site. Only head of household should come to the site for an interview.
To alleviate the waiting in long lines as occurred at the distribution sites last month, distribution will be based on the first initial of resident’s last name. Accordingly, residents are requested to visit the distribution site on the date DCF is serving the relevant first initial of their last name.
Residents can find the days they are listed according to their last name initial by visiting http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/fff/siteLocations.shtml. They need to bring a valid Florida Driver’s License or Identification Card to the distribution site.
937,000 applications processed
“After just over 30 days of operations of the federal DSNAP program in Florida, DCF has processed more than 937,000 applications, in addition to more than one million households provided with supplemental SNAP benefits and nearly 1.5 million households had their SNAP benefits replaced. This means $1.2 billion has been put into families’ hands to buy food across the state,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll. “I’m proud of the effort our staff has made, with half of the agency contributing to this operation. These efforts will continue when we return to Miami-Dade and Broward counties next week to again serve families in these communities.”
For recent article on DCF food assistance, visit the link: DCF food assistance: South Florida economic vulnerability exposed
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