Emergency Food program put into action

On Tuesday, Aug. 24 Governor Culver announced a one-time food assistance program for Iowa residents living in areas affected by the recent storms and floods.

    Individuals must apply for assistance during the time of Aug. 25-30. Applicants must live in a flood or storm affected area, which includes the following counties: Black Hawk, Cherokee, Clayton, Decatur, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Franklin, Hamilton, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Jackson, Jasper, Jones, Kossuth, Lee, Lucas, Lyon, Mahaska, Marion, O'Brien, Osceola, Polk, Ringgold, Sioux, Story, Taylor, Union, Warren, Webster and Wright.  Also, applicants must have "storm-related expenses — such as job disruptions, uninsured losses, cleanup, or replacement of ruined food…" according to the governor's press release.

    "The Emergency Food Program works much like the formerly known food stamps.  Recipients will receive a debit-like card, much like that of the food stamps; however, this is a one-time use only," said Roger Munns, Department of Human Services spokesman.

    "The amount of benefit is determined by family size, but will be in the amount of hundreds of dollars."  Munns added.

    Applicants can apply at any county Department of Human Services office.  For more information you can look online at http://www.dhs.state.ia.us/Consumers/Find_Help/MapLocations.html.