September 11, 2017
Hurricane Irma has brought life-threatening storm surges, rainfall, and wind hazards to Florida and portions of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, and Tennessee. To help supermarkets in the path of the hurricane, NGA has compiled federal and state resources below, and will continue to update the information. In addition, consumers can find food safety tips HERE.
Federal
- Food and Nutrition Service Disaster Relief Website
- FEMA Hurricane Irma Website
- National Hurricane Center Website
- Small Business Administration Hurricane Recovery Website
- Visit www.ready.gov or www.listo.gov (Spanish) for tips on how to prepare for and stay safe during hurricanes and flooding.
- U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans Website
Virgin Islands
- Virgin Islands Hurricane Information
- Virgin Islands Alerts
- On Sept.12, 2017, FNS approved the Territory’s hot foods’ waiver request to allow recipients to purchase hot foods and hot food products prepared for immediate consumption with their benefits at authorized SNAP retailers Territorywide through Nov.13, 2017.
- On Sept. 17, FNS approved USVI’s request to implement WIC food substitutions through December 31, 2017, only when approved food items are not in stock due to the impact of Hurricane Irma on inventory in the store.
Florida
- Florida Disaster Website
- Florida Get a Plan Website
- Florida Retail Federation/Florida Grocers Association
- Businesses should register with Florida’s Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center to receive the most recent updates to the storm track and resources available to businesses. Click HERE to register.
- Florida will issue all remaining Sept. SNAP benefits, early, on Sept. 7, 2017, to clients statewide.
- On Sept. 22, Agriculture Secretary Perdue announced households not normally eligible under regular SNAP rules may quality for D-SNAP. For details on Florida’s D-SNAP program, also known as Food for Florida, click HERE.
Georgia
- Georgia Food Industry Association Website
- Georgia Retail Association Website
- Georgia issued all remaining Sept. 2017 SNAP benefits, early, on Sept. 10, 2017, to clients statewide.
How to Help
- To view a list of trusted organizations helping those impacted by the hurricane, click HERE.
- Financial contributions to recognize. Financial contributions to recognized disaster relief organizations are the fastest, most flexible, and most effective method of donating. Organizations on the ground know what items and quantities are needed, often buy in bulk with discounts and, if possible, purchase through area businesses which supports economic recovery.
- Confirm donations needed. Critical needs change rapidly – confirm needed items BEFORE collecting; pack and label carefully; confirm delivery locations; arrange transportation. Unsolicited goods NOT needed burden local organizations’ ability to meet survivors’ confirmed needs, drawing away valuable volunteer labor, transportation, and warehouse space.
- Connect to volunteer. Trusted organizations operating in the affected area know where volunteers are needed, and can ensure appropriate volunteer safety, training, and housing.
