Congressman Neguse Announces Disaster Snap Benefits For Those Impacted By The Marshall Fire

Statement

Today, Congressman Joe Neguse announced that low-income Colorado residents in parts of Boulder County affected by the wildfires that started on December 30 could be eligible for a helping hand from the USDA's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

"In the wake of the devastating Marshall Fire, it's critical that our communities are getting every help they need," said Congressman Joe Neguse. "I'm grateful for the swift authorization of disaster food security benefits for those throughout Boulder County. Ensuring no Colorado family is left hungry is something we've long championed, in the wake of these circumstances, this is more important than ever."

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that households that may not normally be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) under regular program rules may qualify for D-SNAP if they meet certain criteria, including the disaster income limits and have qualifying disaster-related expenses.

"Hundreds of houses and businesses were tragically consumed by fire in suburban communities in Boulder County," Vilsack said. "While affected families are working to find ways to move forward, D-SNAP can help make sure they are able to get food to feed their families."

To be eligible for D-SNAP, a household must either live or work in an identified disaster area, have been affected by the disaster, and meet certain D-SNAP eligibility criteria. Eligible households will receive one month of benefits -- equal to the maximum monthly amount for a SNAP household of their size -- that they can use to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized stores or from select retailers online to meet their temporary food needs as they settle back home following the disaster. Colorado and Boulder County officials will share information about D-SNAP application dates and locations through local media.

The timing of D-SNAP varies with the unique circumstances of each disaster, but always begins after commercial channels of food distribution have been restored and families are able to purchase and prepare food at home. Before operating a D-SNAP, a state must ensure that the proper public information, staffing, and resources are in place.

For more information about this and other available aid, callers from Colorado can dial 2-1-1 or 1-800-536-5298 from outside the state. For more information about Colorado's SNAP, visit the state's SNAP DHS page.

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