The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits will soon be accessible to individuals in San Diego impacted by the late January atmospheric river storm and subsequent flooding.

Eligibility and Assistance

• Low-income California residents recovering from the severe storms and power outages may be eligible for D-SNAP benefits.
• The program offers food assistance to households with food loss or damage caused by natural disasters.
• Even those who do not typically qualify for SNAP may be eligible for D-SNAP if they meet certain criteria, including disaster income limits and related expenses.

Application Process

• The D-SNAP application period will be open from March 7-8 and again from March 11-15.
• Eligible households will receive benefits equivalent to the maximum monthly amount for a SNAP household of their size.

Statements and Approvals

• Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack affirmed USDA’s commitment to ensuring impacted individuals receive necessary food assistance.
• President Joe Biden approved a disaster declaration for California residents affected by the storms.
• Residents and business owners can apply for assistance through DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA.

Disaster-Related Expenses

Even those not typically eligible for SNAP may qualify for D-SNAP if they incurred the following expenses:

• Home or business repairs
• Temporary shelter expenses
• Evacuation or relocation costs
• Disaster-related personal injury or funeral expenses
• Loss of income due to the disaster
• Food loss after flooding or power outages

Additional Aid and Support

• Residents already receiving SNAP benefits are not eligible for D-SNAP but may request an increase in benefits for one month if they meet specific requirements.
• The USDA approved mass replacements of benefits for households affected by power outages due to the winter storms.
• The IRS postponed tax filing deadlines for San Diegans impacted by the January flooding.

Accessing Benefits

• Approved individuals will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card for purchasing food at authorized retail stores.
• For more information about D-SNAP and other aid, individuals can call 211 or 1-800-621-3362 in California.

In conclusion, Disaster SNAP benefits offer critical support to San Diegans recovering from the January storms, providing essential assistance to those facing food insecurity due to the disaster’s impact.

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The Cardiff 101 Mainstreet Association, which oversees the market, expressed satisfaction with its progress over the past year and a commitment to further improvements. They highlighted initiatives to optimize the layout of vendors and enhance the overall shopping experience.

Mark Huerta, a farmer with Bee Safe, Inc., shared his positive experience as part of the market’s inaugural year, noting the growth in their customer base and the sense of community among vendors and shoppers alike. Alison Wielechowski, executive director of the Cardiff 101 Mainstreet Association, emphasized the familial atmosphere fostered by regular interactions among vendors and customers.

The success of the Cardiff Farmer’s Market reflects the community’s support for local businesses and artisans, providing fresh produce, specialty food items, and unique gift options. As the market continues to evolve, it remains a vibrant destination for residents and visitors alike.

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