Disaster Food Benefits Offered Friday through Oct. 6
Robeson County has been declared a disaster county by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. These declarations authorize the
Department of Social Services to administer the Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits program.
This program is designed to authorize food stamp benefits for eligible households that are not currently receiving
food and nutrition benefits and have experienced a loss as a result of Hurricane Florence. Residents may qualify
for 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 because of a power outage or household flooding resulting from
Hurricane Florence. Eligibility is based on available income and resources.
Residents currently receiving food stamp benefits are not eligible for this disaster program. However, USDA has
approved an automated Replacement waiver for FNS recipients who suffered a food loss as a result of the
disaster.
Applications for Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits will be taken at Robeson County Department of Social
Services 120 Glen Cowan Rd., beginning:
● Friday, Sept. 28 8 a.m. until 5 p.m
● Saturday, Sept. 29 9 a.m. until 5 p.m
● Monday, Oct. 1, thru Friday Oct. 5, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m
● Saturday, Oct. 6 . 9 a.m. until 5 p.m
● No applications will be taken on Sunday.
Verification of identity is mandatory for the head of household and authorized representative. This can be in the
form of a picture I.D. or any other form of identification. This proof may include, but is not limited to, Social
Security card, mail, or collateral statement. Identity is the only eligibility factor that must be verified.
Because long lines and wait times are possible, individuals are encouraged to bring medications and other
necessary items. Due to limited space, individuals are encouraged to limit the number of people accompanying
them and to consider arranging childcare if possible. Residents should come prepared for inclement weather
while waiting outdoors as no outdoor shelter is available for those waiting in line.
Due to the possibility of large numbers of applicants, neighboring residents and businesses should expect heavy
traffic and parking in the area.
