Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Harkin Encourages Families Affected by Disaster to Seek Food Assistance
Disaster Food Assistance Program Operating in 24 Iowa Counties; May Expand to Additional Counties
Following action by the state of Iowa to establish a Disaster Food Assistance Program in counties hardest hit by flooding and weather, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today encouraged Iowans affected by the disaster to seek help in putting food on their tables while the flood waters recede. The Disaster Food Assistance Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a senior appropriator on the Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds USDA programs.
"Ensuring Iowans have their basic needs met during this time of devastation will get them through these tough times and give them the strength to pick up the pieces after this historic national disaster in our state," said Harkin. "I encourage all Iowans who are eligible for this aid to take advantage of it. The application process is simple for this program that will help families reeling from this disaster make ends meet."
Applications are accepted for a limited time at FEMA disaster site offices in the following counties - Butler, Buchanan, Blackhawk, Adams, Cedar, Jones, Louisa, Muscatine, Polk, Winneshiek, Benton, Bremer, Cerro Gordo, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Johnson, Linn, Marion, Page, Story, Tama, and Union.
To qualify for relief, a household must have experienced at least one of the following as a result of the disaster:
- Loss or inaccessibility of income;
- Loss of food;
- Damage or destruction of a household’s home or household member’s self-employment business;
- Disaster related expenses that will not be reimbursed during the period of the disaster.
Additional counties may be approved to operate a Disaster Food Assistance Program. Iowans who reside in a county other than those listed above, may still be eligible for Disaster Food Assistance. Iowans can contact their local Department of Human Services’ Office to determine whether they are eligible.
Individuals already receiving food assistance may also apply for additional assistance to replace food that is either ruined or spoiled by the disaster. Applying for additional assistance can also be done at a local Human Services office.
