Smithfield, NC -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has been approved by the US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service to provide food assistance in the form of a Disaster Food and Nutrition Services benefits in Johnston County. The program is open to individuals not normally eligible for Food and Nutrition Services benefits, who were affected by Hurricane Irene. Residents of the affected areas of Johnston County who are not currently receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits may qualify for temporary assistance for a one-month period if their home was damaged or destroyed or they have disaster related expenses or they lost income or had food loss as a result of a power loss of at least 8 hours from Hurricane Irene. Eligibility is based on available income and resources. Those applying for Disaster Food and Nutrition Services benefits will be asked to provide proof of their identity along with proof of residency, such as a utility bill, and the social security numbers and dates of birth for all members of their household. Applicants should apply in the county where they reside and will have five consecutive days to apply for assistance beginning September 10, 2011. Applications in Johnston County will be accepted at the following location: Johnston County Department of Social Services 714 North Street Smithfield, NC 27577 Saturday 9-10-11 from 8:00am to 5:00pm Sunday 9-11-11 from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday 9-12-11 from 8:00am to 6:00pm Tuesday 9-13-11 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesday 9-14-11 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Households living in Johnston County may use their Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Benefits to purchase hot prepared meals from retailers that are located in these counties who are authorized to accept EBT Benefits through September 30, 2011. Households who currently receive Food and Nutrition Services Benefits, that did not request a replacement of benefits, can apply for a supplement of benefits if the household suffered a disaster related expense other than food loss. Households that received replacement benefits do not need to apply for the Disaster Food and Nutrition Services Program.
