Florida Disaster Nutrition Assistance

Incident: Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton

When: Sept. 26, 2024, and Oct. 8, 2024

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Nov. 15, 2024, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Family (DCF) request to modify their D-SNAP operation in response to the impact of Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 26, 2024, and Hurricane Milton that began on Oct. 9, 2024. Between Sept. 28, 2024, and Oct. 11, 2024, President Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration with Federal Individual Assistance and subsequent amendments designating Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties and the Miccosukee Indian Reservation as eligible for assistance. The initial waiver, approved on Oct. 18, 2024, and the modified waiver, approved on Oct. 23, 2024, authorized D-SNAP operations for 28 counties and permitted the state to operate D-SNAP in three phases. This modification changes the dates for D-SNAP operations for Citrus, Columbia, Charlotte, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Volusia counties.

  The state will operate D-SNAP in three (3) phases and this approval is limited to the counties included in the phases.

• In phase one, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Oct. 28, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Dixie, Gilchrest, and Levy counties from Nov. 1, 2024, through Nov. 3, 2024; Jefferson County from Nov. 7, 2024, through Nov. 9, 2024; Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee counties from Nov. 8, 2024, through Nov. 10, 2024; Wakula County from Nov. 15, 2024, through Nov. 17, 2024; Madison County from Nov. 17, 2024, through Nov. 19, 2024; Franklin County from Nov. 22, 2024, through Nov. 24, 2024; Taylor County from Dec. 7, 2024, through Dec. 9, 2024; Columbia County from Dec. 19, 2024, through Dec. 21, 2024.
• In phase two, Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Nov. 4, 2024, through Nov. 8, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The D-SNAP will not operate on Nov. 5, 2024. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Pasco County from Nov. 16, 2024, through Nov. 18, 2024; Charlotte and Sarasota Counties from Nov. 21, 2024 through Nov. 23, 2024; Hernando County from Nov. 22, 2024, through Nov. 24, 2024; Polk County from Dec. 6, 2024, through Dec. 8, 2024; Pinellas County from Dec. 7, 2024, through Dec. 9, 2024; Manatee County from Nov. Dec. 19, 2024, through Dec. 21, 2024.
• In phase three, Citrus, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, and Volusia counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Nov. 12, 2024, through Nov. 15, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Citrus County from Nov. 16, 2024, through Nov. 18, 2024; Flagler and Volusia Counties from Nov. 17, 2024, through Nov. 19, 2024; Highland County from Nov. 18, 2024, through Nov. 20, 2024; Hardee County from Nov. 22, 2024, through Nov. 24, 2024; Hillsborough County from Dec. 3, 2024, through Dec. 5; Lee County from Dec. 13, 2024, through Dec. 15, 2024; DeSoto County from Dec. 17, 2024, through Dec. 19, 2024; Lake County from Dec. 20, 2024 through Dec. 22, 2024.

• On Oct. 25, 2024, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Family (DCF) request to modify waiver to allow for the expungement of unused Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) benefits 90 days after the date the benefits become available. The initial waiver approved on Oct. 18, 2024, included households in Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla and Volusia counties. This waiver modification approval includes households in Desoto, Flagler, Lake and Polk counties. The waiver will remain in effect until all benefits issued for the disaster benefit period of Sept. 23, 2024, through Oct. 22, 2024 (Hurricane Helene), and Oct. 5, 2024, through Nov. 3, 2024 (Hurricane Milton), have been expunged.
• On Oct. 23, 2024, FNS approved the Florida DCF request to modify the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to add four additional counties in response to the impact of Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 26, 2024, and Hurricane Milton that began on Oct. 9, 2024. Between Sept. 28, 2024, and Oct. 11, 2024, President Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration with Federal Individual Assistance and subsequent amendments designating Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia and Wakulla counties and the Miccosukee Indian Reservation as eligible for assistance. The initial waiver approved on Oct. 18, 2024, authorized D-SNAP operations for 24 counties and permitted the state to operate D-SNAP in three phases. This modification approves D-SNAP operations for Desoto, Flagler, Lake, and Polk counties. This increases the total to 28 counties approved for D-SNAP operations.

The state will operate D-SNAP in three (3) phases and this approval is limited to the counties included in the phases.

• In phase one, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Oct. 28, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Dixie, Gilchrest, and Levy counties from Nov. 1, 2024, through Nov. 3, 2024; Jefferson County from Nov. 7, 2024, through Nov. 9, 2024; Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee counties from Nov. 8, 2024, through Nov. 10, 2024; Wakula County from Nov. 15, 2024, through Nov. 17, 2024; Madison County from Nov. 17, 2024, through Nov. 19, 2024; Franklin County from Nov. 22, 2024, through Nov. 24, 2024; Columbia County from Dec. 1, 2024, through Dec. 3, 2024; Taylor County from Dec. 7, 2024, through Dec. 9, 2024.
• In phase two, Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Nov. 4, 2024, through Nov. 8, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The D-SNAP will not operate on Nov. 5, 2024. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Pinellas County from Nov. 9, 2024, through Nov. 10, 2024, and Nov. 12, 2024; Hernando County from Nov. 15, 2024, through Nov. 17, 2024; Manatee and Pasco counties from Nov. 24, 2024, through Nov. 26, 2024; Charlotte, Polk, and Sarasota counties from Dec. 1, 2024, through Dec. 3, 2024.
• In phase three, Citrus, Desoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, and Volusia counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Nov. 12, 2024, through Nov. 15, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Hillsborough and Hardee Counties from Nov. 16, 2024, through Nov. 18, 2024; Highland County from Nov. 18, 2024, through Nov. 20, 2024; Lee County from Dec. 10, 2024, through Dec. 12, 2024; Citrus County from Dec. 12, 2024, through Dec. 14, 2024; Desoto, Flagler, Lake, and Volusia counties from Dec. 13, 2024, through Dec. 15, 2024.

• On Oct. 18, 2024, FNS approved the Florida DCF request to operate Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) in 24 counties due to the impact of Hurricane Helene that began on Sept. 26, 2024, and Hurricane Milton that began on Oct. 9, 2024. Between Sept. 28, 2024, and Oct. 11, 2024, President Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration with Federal Individual Assistance and subsequent amendments designating Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia and Wakulla counties and the Miccosukee Indian Reservation as eligible for assistance.

The state will operate D-SNAP in three (3) phases and this approval is limited to the counties included in the phases.

• In phase one, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Oct. 28, 2024, through Oct. 31, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Dixie, Gilchrest, and Levy counties from Nov. 1, 2024, through Nov. 3, 2024; Jefferson County from Nov. 7, 2024, through Nov. 9, 2024; Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwannee counties from Nov. 8, 2024, through Nov. 10, 2024; Wakula County from Nov. 15, 2024, through Nov. 17, 2024; Madison County from Nov. 17, 2024, through Nov. 19, 2024; Franklin County from Nov. 22, 2024, through Nov. 24, 2024; Columbia County from Dec. 1, 2024, through Dec. 3, 2024; Taylor County from Dec. 7, 2024, through Dec. 9, 2024.
• In phase two, Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Nov. 4, 2024, through Nov. 8, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The D-SNAP will not operate on Nov. 5, 2024. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Pinellas County from Nov. 9, 2024, through Nov. 10, 2024, and Nov. 12, 2024; Hernando County from Nov. 15, 2024, through Nov. 17, 2024; Manatee and Pasco counties from Nov. 24, 2024, through Nov. 26, 2024; Charlotte and Sarasota counties from Dec. 1, 2024, through Dec. 3, 2024.
• In phase three, Citrus, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee and Volusia counties will accept telephonic applications for four days beginning on Nov. 12, 2024, through Nov. 15, 2024. The pre-registration system will open one day prior. The state will accept onsite applications in the following counties on the specified dates: Hillsborough and Hardee Counties from Nov. 16, 2024, through Nov. 18, 2024; Highland County from Nov. 18, 2024, through Nov. 20, 2024; Lee County from Dec. 10, 2024, through Dec. 12, 2024; Citrus County from Dec. 12, 2024, through Dec. 14, 2024; Volusia County from Dec. 13, 2024, through Dec. 15, 2024.

• On Oct. 18, 2024, FNS approved the Florida DCF request to allow for the expungement of unused Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits 90 days after the date the benefits become available. The waiver is for the counties of Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla and Volusia and will remain in effect until all benefits issued for the disaster benefit period of Sept. 23, 2024, through Oct. 22, 2024 (Hurricane Helene), and Oct. 5, 2024, through Nov. 3, 2024 (Hurricane Milton), have been expunged.

Child Nutrition Programs

• On Oct. 31, 2024, FNS approved the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) request to extend its operational flexibilities in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) in Manatee and Pinellas counties, due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. Under NSLP and SBP, program operators in Florida are approved to temporarily serve meals and afterschool snacks for reimbursement that do not meet the meal pattern requirements when impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton. NSLP and SBP operators may also allow multiple schools to utilize the same location and claim meals separately per program. This waiver extension is approved with the expectation that it will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Incident: Hurricane Milton

When: Oct. 8, 2024

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Oct. 19, 2024, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request to waive the 10-day reporting requirement for food purchased with SNAP benefits that was lost as a result of Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024. The waiver applies to Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Desoto, Duval, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter and Volusia counties. The waiver is in effect through Oct. 23, 2024.
• On Oct. 12, 2024, FNS approved the Florida DCF request to waive the statutory definition of "food" under Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended and accompanying regulations at 7 CFR 271.2. This waiver approval allows SNAP households in 8 counties: Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota and Volusia to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through Nov. 15, 2024, in order to increase access to food in response to Hurricane Milton, that impacted Florida on Oct. 9, 2024. Retailers may need as much as 24-36 hours to make changes that will allow for sale of hot foods.

Child Nutrition Programs

• On Oct. 9, 2024, FNS approved Florida Department of Health (DOH) request to allow statewide administrative and operational flexibilities in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to facilitate recovery due to Hurricane Milton. Under the waiver approval, DOH and local program operators may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, adjust meal service times, allow for parent and guardian meal pickup, and temporarily serve meals and afterschool snacks for reimbursement that do not meet the meal pattern requirements. In addition, DOH is permitted to notify institutions applying for CACFP participation in writing of approval or disapproval within 45 calendar days of receiving a complete application. For the next 60 days, all sponsoring organizations are allowed to waive pre-approval visits, postpone the required 4-week review of new facilities, and allow for more than 6-months to elapse between reviews of existing facilities. FNS is also permitting these sponsor onsite reviews to be conducted offsite. Additionally, the requirement for sponsoring organizations to issue program payments to sponsored facilities and day care homes within five working days of receiving monthly reimbursement is waived. These waivers are in effect through Nov. 8, 2024.
• On Oct. 7, 2024, FNS approved Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) request to provide operational flexibilities in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and NSLP Afterschool Snack Service throughout the state of Florida, due to the anticipated impacts of Hurricane Milton. Under the waiver approval, program operators in Florida may utilize non-congregate flexibilities for SMP and FFVP. Under NSLP and SBP, program operators in Florida are approved to temporarily serve meals and afterschool snacks for reimbursement that do not meet the meal pattern requirements when impacted by Hurricane Milton. NSLP and SBP operators may also allow multiple schools to utilize the same location and claim meals separately per program. This approval also allows program operators to serve meals in a non-congregate setting when congregate meal service operations in schools are limited due to Hurricane Milton. These waivers are approved through Nov. 8, 2024, with the expectation that they will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Milton.

Incident: Hurricane Helene

When: Sept. 23, 2024

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Oct. 4, 2024, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request to waive the statutory definition of "food" under Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended and accompanying regulations at 7 CFR 271.2. This waiver approval allows SNAP households in Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Madison, and Taylor counties to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through Oct. 31, 2024, in order to increase access to food after power outages as a result of Hurricane Helene, beginning on Sept. 28, 2024. Retailers may need as much as 24-36 hours to make changes that will allow for sale of hot foods.

Child Nutrition Programs

• On Sept. 26, 2024, FNS approved the Florida Department of Health (DOH) request to allow statewide administrative and operational flexibilities in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to facilitate recovery due to Hurricane Helene. Under the waiver approval, DOH and local program operators may serve meals in a non-congregate setting and adjust meal service times. In addition, DOH is permitted to notify institutions applying for CACFP participation in writing of approval or disapproval within 45 calendar days of receiving a complete application. For the next 30 days, all sponsoring organizations are allowed to waive pre-approval visits, postpone the required 4-week review of new facilities, and allow for more than 6-months to elapse between reviews of existing facilities. FNS is also permitting these sponsor onsite reviews to be conducted offsite. Additionally, the requirement for sponsoring organizations to issue program payments to sponsored facilities and day care homes within five working days of receiving monthly reimbursement is waived. These waivers are in effect through Oct. 25, 2024.
• On Sept. 25, 2024, FNS approved Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) request to provide operational flexibilities in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), the Seamless Summer Option (SSO), and the NSLP Afterschool Snack Service throughout the state of Florida, due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Under the waiver approval, program operators in Florida may utilize non-congregate flexibilities for SMP and FFVP. Under NSLP and SBP, program operators in Florida are approved to temporarily serve meals and afterschool snacks for reimbursement that do not meet the meal pattern requirements when impacted by Hurricane Helene. NSLP and SBP operators may allow multiple schools to utilize the same location and claim meals separately per program. FNS also waives the requirement that limits the use of flexibilities for meal service during unanticipated school closures to the October through April period. These waivers are approved through Oct. 31, 2024, with the expectation that they will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Helene.

Incident: Hurricane Debby

When: Aug. 5, 2024

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Aug. 14, 2024, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request to waive the 10-day reporting requirement for households for food purchased with SNAP benefits that was lost as a result of power outages due to Hurricane Debby that made landfall on Aug. 5, 2024. The waiver applies to households in 16 counties: Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, and Wakulla. The waiver is in effect through Aug. 19, 2024.

Child Nutrition Programs

• On Aug. 6, 2024, FNS approved Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) request to provide operational flexibilities in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) throughout the state of Florida, due to the impacts of Hurricane Debby. These requests are in addition to previously approved non-congregate meal service flexibilities in response to Hurricane Debby. Under the waiver approval, program operators in Florida may utilize non-congregate flexibilities for SMP and FFVP. Under NSLP and SBP, program operators in Florida are approved to temporarily serve meals and afterschool snacks for reimbursement that do not meet the meal pattern requirements when impacted by Hurricane Debby. FNS also waives the requirement that limits the use of flexibilities for meal service during unanticipated school closures to the October through April period. These waivers are approved through Aug. 30, 2024, with the expectation that they will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Debby.
• On Aug. 5, 2024, FNS approved the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) request for flexibilities relating to child nutrition program operations. Under the waiver approval, program operators of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option (SSO) may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, allow parent pick-up, adjust the time of meal service, and allow service of meals at school sites due to the unanticipated closures. Additionally, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, allow parent pick-up, adjust the time of meal service, and are not required to use offer versus serve. FNS expects that flexibilities and exceptions provided will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to the ongoing natural disasters and recovery efforts.

Past Responses

2023

Incident: Hurricane Idalia

When: Aug. 28, 2023

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Sept. 19, 2023, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request to allow for the expungement of unused disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) benefits 90 days after the date the benefits become available. The waiver is for the counties of Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwanee and Taylor and will remain in effect until all benefits issued for the disaster benefit period of Aug. 28, 2023, through Sept. 26, 2023, have been expunged.
• On Sept. 18, 2023, FNS approved Florida DCF request to operate D-SNAP in eleven counties in response to Hurricane Idalia that began on Aug. 30, 2023. President Joseph R. Biden issued a major disaster declaration designating Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwanee, and Taylor counties as eligible for Federal individual assistance on Aug. 31, 2023, and Sept. 11, 2023. DCF will allow D-SNAP applicants to apply using an interactive telephone interview and the State will accept applications at an on-site facility for each county. The State will accept pre-registrations for all 11 counties (Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwanee, and Taylor County) from Sept. 22, 2023, through Sept. 28, 2023. The telephonic (virtual) process with interviews will operate from Sept. 25, 2023, through Sept. 28, 2023, for all counties. The State will accept D-SNAP applications with interviews on-site in each of the counties on the following dates: Citrus County from Sept. 29, 2023, through Oct. 1, 2023; Dixie, Lexy, and Gilchrist from Sept. 30, 2023 through Oct. 2, 2023; Taylor County from Oct. 5, 2023, through Oct. 7, 2023; Jefferson County from Oct. 5, 2023 through Oct. 7, 2023; Madison County from Oct. 5, 2023, through Oct. 7, 2023; Columbia County from Oct. 12, 2023, through Oct. 14, 2023; Lafayette, Suwannee, and Hamilton counties from Oct. 12, 2023, through Oct. 14, 2023.
• On Sept. 8, 2023, FNS approved the Florida DCF request to waive the 10-day reporting requirement for food purchased with SNAP benefits that was lost as a result of power outages due to Hurricane Idalia that began on Aug. 30, 2023. The waiver request applies to residents of Dixie, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee and Taylor counties and is in effect through Sept. 19, 2023.
• On Sept. 3, 2023, FNS approved the Florida DCF request to issue mass replacements to impacted households. This waiver approval allows households to receive replacement of benefits as stated in the approval due to power outages and flooding as a result of Hurricane Idalia that began on Aug. 29, 2023. The waiver applies the following 14 counties: Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Pasco, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla.
• On Sept. 2, 2023, FNS approved the Florida DCF request to waive the statutory definition of "food" under Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended and accompanying regulations at 7 CFR 271.2. The waiver applies to the following 23 counties: Alachua, Baker, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Madison, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union and Wakulla. This waiver approval allows SNAP households to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through Oct. 1, 2023. Retailers may need as much as 24-36 hours to make changes that will allow for sale of hot foods.
• On Aug. 29, 2023, FNS approved the Florida DCF amended request for early issuance of September 2023 benefits to SNAP households that receive their benefits between Sept. 1, 2023, and Sept. 14, 2023, to add Brevard, Orange and Osceola counties. The initial waiver was also approved on Aug. 29, 2023 and applied to SNAP benefits to all households in 46 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia and Wakulla. The amendment increases the total to 49 counties approved for early issuance. The early issuance allows households to prepare for the storm prior to making landfall or immediately after landfall.
• On Aug. 29, 2023, FNS approved the Florida DCF request for early issuance of September 2023 benefits to SNAP households that receive their benefits between Sept. 1, 2023, and Sept. 14, 2023. The waiver applies to SNAP benefits to all households in 46 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia and Wakulla. The early issuance allows households to prepare for the storm prior to making landfall or immediately after landfall.

Child Nutrition Programs

• On Aug. 30, 2023, FNS approved Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) request to provide operational flexibilities in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), Special Milk Program (SMP), Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) throughout the state of Florida, due to the impacts of Hurricane Idalia. These requests are in addition to previously approved non-congregate meal service flexibilities in response to Hurricane Idalia. Under the waiver approval, program operators in Florida may utilize non-congregate flexibilities for SMP and FFVP. Under NSLP and SBP, program operators in Florida are approved to temporarily serve meals and afterschool snacks for reimbursement that do not meet the meal pattern requirements when impacted by Hurricane Idalia. FNS also waives the requirement that limits the use of flexibilities for meal service during unanticipated school closures to the October through April period. These waivers are approved through Sept. 30, 2023, with the expectation that they will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Idalia.
• On Aug. 30, 2023, FNS approved the Florida Department of Health (DOH) request for a waiver relating to child nutrition program operations impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Under the waiver approval, Florida Child Care Food Program institutions and sponsoring organizations, which are part of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, adjust the time of meal service, allow parent and guardian meal pick up, waive meal pattern requirements and educational or enrichment activity requirements for the at-risk component. Additionally, the requirement for sponsoring organizations to make payments of program funds to sponsored facilities and day care homes within five working days of the receipt of monthly reimbursement is waived. Under the approval, the state agency may also waive requirement for meal service observation during a monitoring visit. The waiver is effective through Sept. 30, 2023.
• On Aug. 29, 2023, FNS approved Florida FDACS statewide waiver request to allow NLSP, SBP, SFSP and SSO local program operators to serve meals in a non-congregate setting when congregate meal service operations are limited due the impacts of Hurricane Idalia. Under the waiver approval, FDACS’s local program operators may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, adjust the time of meal service, allow parent pick up, allow service of meals at school sites, and senior high schools are not required to use offer versus serve at lunch. These waivers are approved through Sept. 30, 2023.
• On Aug. 29, 2023, FNS approved the Florida FDACS request for waivers relating to child nutrition programs due to the expected impacts of Hurricane Idalia. Under the waiver approval, program operators of the SFSP and SSO may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, allow parent pick-up, adjust the time of meal service, and allow service of meals at school sites due to the unanticipated closures. Additionally, the NLSP and SBP may serve meals in a non-congregate setting, allow parent pick-up, adjust the time of meal service, and are not required to use offer versus serve. These waivers are in effect through Sept. 30, 2023

2022

Incident: Hurricane Ian

When: Sept. 27, 2022

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Oct. 26, 2022, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request to extend the expiration date to waive the statutory definition of "food" under Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, and companion regulations at 7 CFR 271.2. The waiver applies to all counties in the State of Florida. The initial wavier was approved on Oct. 2, 2022, and allowed households to purchase hot foods through Oct. 31, 2022. This amended waiver approval allows SNAP households to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through Nov. 30, 2022.
• On Oct. 7, 2022, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request to allow for the expungement of unused disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) benefits 90 days after the date the benefits become available. The waiver will remain in effect until all benefits issued for the disaster benefit period of Sept. 27, 2022, through Oct. 26, 2022, have been expunged.
• On Oct. 7, 2022, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request to operate Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) in 19 counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia in response to the impact of Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022. Due to this incident, President Biden issued a major disaster declaration with federal individual assistance for nine (9) counties on Sept. 29, 2022. The declaration was amended on Sept. 30 and Oct 4, 2022, to bring the total eligible for federal individual assistance to 19 counties. DCF will begin the D-SNAP on Oct.13, 2022.
• On Oct. 7, 2022, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request to waive the 10-day reporting requirement for replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits that was lost as a result of power outages from Hurricane Ian that began on Sept. 28, 2022. The waiver applies to the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Lake, Lee, Osceola, Sarasota and St. Johns. The waiver is in effect through Oct. 17, 2022.
• On Oct. 2, 2022, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families request to waive the statutory definition of "food" under Section 3(k)(1) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended, and companion regulations at 7 CFR 271.2. The waiver applies to all counties in the state of Florida. This waiver approval allows SNAP households to purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through Oct. 31, 2022, in order to increase access to food after power outages and flooding as a result of Hurricane Ian that began on Sept. 28, 2022. Retailers may need as much as 24-36 hours to make changes that will allow for sale of hot foods.
• On Oct. 1, 2022, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families request to issue mass replacements to impacted households. This waiver approval allows households to receive replacement of benefits, as stated in the approval, in the counties of Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole and Volusia due to power outages and flooding as a result of Hurricane Ian that began on Sept. 28, 2022.
• On Sept. 27, 2022, FNS approved Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) request for early issuance of October 2022 benefits to SNAP households that receive their benefits between October 1 and October 14. The statewide waiver applies to SNAP benefits in all households that receive benefits during this timeframe. The early issuance allows households to prepare for the storm prior to making landfall or immediately after landfall.

Child Nutrition Programs

• On Oct.7, 2022, FNS approved Florida Department of Health (FL DOH) request for waivers relating to child nutrition programs impacted by Hurricane Ian. Under the waiver approval, Florida Child Care Food Program (CCFP) institutions and sponsoring organizations, which are part of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), may waive monitoring requirements; record retention requirements; and the 60-day limit for submitting claims for reimbursement. The requirement for sponsoring organizations to make payments of program funds to sponsored facilities and day care homes within five working days of the receipt of monthly reimbursement is also waived. Under the waiver approval, the state agency may waive requirement for meal service observation during a monitoring visit. The waiver is effective Sept. 29, 2022, through Nov. 25, 2022, with the expectation that it will only be implemented by Program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Ian.
• On Oct. 7, 2022, FNS approved Florida Department of Elder Affairs (FL DEA) request for waivers relating to child nutrition programs impacted by Hurricane Ian. Under the waiver approval, Florida Adult Care Food Program (ACFP) institutions and sponsoring organizations, which are a part of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), may waive monitoring requirements; record retention requirements; and the 60-day limit for submitting claims for reimbursement. Under the waiver approval, the state agency may waive the requirement for meal service observation during a monitoring visit. This waiver is effective Sept. 30, 2022, through Nov. 25, 2022, with the expectation that it will only be implemented by Program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Ian.
• On Oct. 6, 2022, FNS approved the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ request to waive the requirement that, during unanticipated school closures, Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and National School Lunch Program Seamless Summer Option (SSO) meals must be served at non-school sites. The waiver allows the state to approve the operation of SFSP and SSO meal service at school sites during unanticipated school closures due to Hurricane Ian. The waiver is effective Oct. 1, 2022, through Apr. 30, 2023.
• On Oct. 5, 2022, FNS approved the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) request to extend the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) election deadline for Collier County Public Schools in order to support access to nutritious meals while Collier County Public Schools mitigates the administrative, fiscal and operational challenges caused by Hurricane Ian. The CEP election date is extended until Oct. 14, 2022.
• On Oct. 4, 2022, FNS approved Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) request to operate Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) open sites at alternative site locations as proposed during unanticipated school closures due to Hurricane Ian. This flexibility is effective immediately, through Oct. 31, 2022, or until the end of the unanticipated school closures related specifically to Hurricane Ian. FNS expects that this flexibility will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is impacted due to Hurricane Ian, school buildings are closed, and virtual classes are not being offered.
• On Sept. 30, 2022, FNS approved a Florida Department of Health (DOH) request for a waiver relating to child nutrition program operations impacted by Hurricane Ian. Under the waiver approval, Florida Child Care Food Program (CCFP) institutions and sponsoring organizations, which are part of the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), may serve meals in a non-congregate setting. The waiver is effective through Nov. 25, 2022, with the expectation that it will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Ian.
• On Sept. 29, 2022, FNS approved Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) request for waivers relating to child nutrition program operations impacted by Hurricane Ian. Under the waiver approval, during school closures when classes are not being offered, program operators in Florida may serve meals through the Summer Food Service Program or National School Lunch (NSLP) Seamless Summer Option in a non-congregate setting, adjust the time of meal service, allow parent pick up, and serve meals at school sites. Additionally, when school buildings are closed but classes are being offered virtually, school food authorities may serve NSLP and School Breakfast Program (SBP) meals in a non-congregate setting, adjust the time of meal service, allow parent pick up, and senior high schools are not required to use offer versus serve at lunch when meal service is impacted by Hurricane Ian. Similar waivers were provided for the Special Milk Program and the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The waivers are effective through Nov. 25, 2022, with the expectation that they will only be implemented by program operators when meal service is limited or negatively impacted due to Hurricane Ian.

2020

Incident: Hurricane Sally

When: Sept. 16, 2020

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Sept. 29, 2020, FNS approved Florida’s request to waive timely reporting of food loss for households in 13 counties. This waiver allows affected households in those counties to make a request for replacement of SNAP benefits through Oct. 6, 2020, as a result of power outages and Hurricane Sally that began on Sept. 16, 2020.
• On Sept. 29, 2020, FNS approved Florida’s request to issue mass replacements to impacted households in two counties (Escambia and Santa Rosa). This waiver allows households in these counties to receive replacement of a percentage of their SNAP benefit based on the issuance date as a result of power outages and Hurricane Sally that began on Sept. 16, 2020.

2019

Incident: Hurricane Dorian

When: Aug. 30, 2019

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Aug. 30, 2019, FNS approved Florida for early issuance of September benefits to SNAP households that receive their benefits between the first and 14th of the month. The early issuance of benefits will allow the state to respond to the needs of families who are preparing for severe weather.

2018

Incident: Hurricane Michael

When: Oct. 10, 2018

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Program (D-SNAP)

• On Oct. 25, 2018, FNS approved Florida’s request to operate a D-SNAP in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Leon, Liberty, Taylor, Wakulla and Washington counties starting on October 27. For specific information regarding D-SNAP eligibility and operations, call the state’s SNAP hotline at 866-762-2237. If you need assistance with or a replacement of your Florida EBT card, please call the state’s EBT customer service number at: 888-356-3281. On Oct. 29, 2018, FNS approved Florida’s waiver request to allow for the expungement of unused disaster SNAP benefits 90 days after the date the benefits become available. The waiver will take effect upon approval and will remain in effect until all benefits issued for the disaster benefit period of Oct. 27, 2018, through Nov. 18, 2018, have been expunged.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• On Oct. 17, 2018 FNS approved Florida’s request to waive timely reporting of food loss to households in the counties of Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Homes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington. This waiver approval will allow households in these affected counties to make a request for replacement of SNAP benefits through Oct. 30, 2018.
• On Oct. 14, 2018 FNS approved a mass replacement waiver so that affected SNAP households in Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington counties in the state of Florida are able to replace food lost as a result of the hurricane. Florida issued mass replacement benefits on Oct. 17, 2018.
• On Oct. 13, 2018 FNS approved a waiver so that affected SNAP households in the state of Florida are able to buy hot foods and hot food products with their SNAP benefits through Oct. 31, 2018.
• Please note: Retailers in Florida may need as much as 24-36 hours to make changes that will allow for sale of hot foods.
• Special Disaster Rules For Accepting SNAP EBT Benefits For Hot Food Purchases
• On Oct. 9, 2018, Florida lifted its staggered issuance schedule and issued October benefits early for the following coastal counties: Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Taylor and Dixie.
• On Oct. 10, 2018, Florida lifted its staggered issuance schedule and issued October benefits early for 24 additional counties: Calhoun, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jackson, Liberty, Leon, Madison, Suwannee, Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Union, Washington

Child Nutrition Programs

• On Dec. 21, 2018, FNS issued a disaster extension approval for Bay County related to the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Due to damage to some school buildings, schools in Bay County are permitted to use the same location and count and claim lunch and breakfast meals separately for more than one school through June 30, 2019. Schools in Bay County may also continue to serve all school lunch and breakfast meals to students at no cost and claim meals at the free reimbursement rate through Feb. 1, 2019.
• On Nov. 28, 2018, FNS approved Florida’s request to extend a waiver that allows schools in Washington County to provide reimbursable school meals at no charge and claim all of the meals at the free reimbursement rate. This waiver is effective Dec. 1, 2018 through Jan. 7, 2019.
• On Nov. 1, 2018, FNS issued a disaster waiver approvals for Bay County, Florida. Schools in Bay County are permitted to provide reimbursable school meals at no charge and claim all of the meals at the free reimbursement rate, effective Nov. 5, 2018, through Jan. 7, 2019. Schools in Bay County are also permitted to use the same location and count and claim school lunch and breakfast meals separately for more than one school, effective Nov. 5, 2018, through Jan. 7, 2019. Verification requirement deadlines for the schools in Bay County are extended through February 15, 2019.
• On Oct. 25, 2018, FNS issued a disaster approval for Schools in Calhoun and Liberty counties are permitted to serve meals that do not meet the school lunch and breakfast program meal pattern requirements, effective October 29 through November 30. Additionally, schools in Calhoun County are permitted to utilize the same location and count and claim school lunch and breakfast meals separately for more than one school, effective Oct. 29 through Nov. 30, 2018.
• On Oct. 23, 2018, FNS issued an approval for 16 counties included in Florida’s Major Disaster Declaration. This waiver allows Child and Adult Care Food Program providers in these counties to serve meals that do not meet the meal pattern requirements through Nov. 21, 2018.
• On Oct. 22, 2018, FNS issued approvals for two counties in Florida impacted by Hurricane Michael. Schools in Gulf and Washington counties may serve meals that do not meet the school breakfast and lunch meal pattern requirements. They may also provide school meals to students at no cost and claim all meals at the free reimbursement rate. Both flexibilities are approved through Nov. 30, 2018.
• Additionally, schools in Gulf and Washington counties may extend verification activities through Feb. 15, 2019.
• Schools in Gulf County ONLY are permitted to utilize the same location and count and claim school lunch and breakfast meals separately for more than one school, effective Oct. 23 through Nov. 30, 2018.

2017

Incident: Hurricane Irma

When: Sept. 10, 2017

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• FNS approved Florida's request to operate a Disaster-SNAP (D-SNAP) in response to Hurricane Irma. D-SNAP eligible households in certain affected counties received two months of benefits to meet their food needs as they settled back home following the disaster. To be eligible for D-SNAP, a household must have lived in an identified disaster area on Sept. 5, 2017, and met other income eligibility criteria. For more information about D-SNAP, including dates and locations, please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website at http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/
• On Nov. 16, 2017, FNS approved the Florida Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) request to modify its approved D-SNAP in the following 48 counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Union and Volusia. The approved modification allowed elderly and disabled households, who completed their pre-registrations in the state’s online system during the D-SNAP application period, but who were unable to visit a D-SNAP site in person, to complete the required D-SNAP interview via telephone by calling the Customer Call Center on Dec. 2-3, 2017. Applicants were told to call on a specified day based on their last name.
• On Oct. 19, 2017, FNS approved DCF's request to extend the D-SNAP application period in Miami-Dade County by 1 additional day (for a total of 8 days).
• On Sept. 15, 2017, FNS approved Florida’s request to issue automatic, mass replacements of 40 percent of Sept. 2017 SNAP benefits to SNAP households in the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Desoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gilchrist, Glades, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Suwanee, Taylor, Union, Volusia and Wakulla. Benefits were issued to replace food that was purchased with September 2017 SNAP benefits, that was destroyed due to the disaster. Replacement benefits were automatically issued to all regular SNAP households in the affected counties by means of an automated credit to their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. Households that had already received replacement benefits based on a signed affidavit of loss were excluded from the mass replacement process. If a client submitted an affidavit after receiving a mass replacement and requested an amount greater than the replacement benefit amount received, the household was only entitled to receive the difference between the requested amount and the amount previously replaced. Replacement benefits cannot exceed the maximum monthly allotment for the household.
• On Sept. 15, 2017, FNS approved Florida's request to extend the time period to report food loss through individual affidavit. Households had until Sept. 29, 2017, to submit such affidavits.
• On Sept. 15, 2017, FNS approved a policy to provide states with the flexibility to serve Hurricane Irma evacuees. States could choose to either serve evacuees through expedited SNAP rules or through the simplified program rules in the Evacuee Policy. The Evacuee Policy applied to anyone, who at the time of Hurricane Irma was a resident of a county that received a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance, did not receive SNAP benefits in the month of September 2017, and evacuated to another state that choose to apply the Policy.
• On Sept. 15, 2017, FNS approved Florida’s request to waive the periodic reporting requirements for ongoing households in all 67 counties in the state due to report in Sept. 2017, to provide administrative relief to DCF in the short term as the state recovered from the disaster, as well as provide disaster-affected households additional time to report.
• On Sept. 15, 2017, FNS approved the request to allow DCF to extend certification periods for SNAP households in all 67 counties with certification periods expiring in Sept. 2017, by 1 month; any case originally scheduled for recertification in September 2017, had to be recertified in October 2017.
• On Sept. 11, 2017, FNS approved the Florida DCF's request to waive SNAP regulations to allow program participants to buy hot foods and hot ready-to-eat foods with their benefits. FNS notified authorized SNAP retailers in Florida of this waiver, which was in effect through Sept. 30, 2017.

USDA Foods

• FNS approved Florida's request to operate a Disaster Household Distribution program to address immediate food needs. The state was approved to begin disaster household distribution of USDA Food packages in Presidentially-declared Disaster areas, on Sept. 14, 2017, to approximately 296,000 households for a period of up to 4 weeks. If D-SNAP was implemented in the distribution areas prior to 4 weeks, household distribution ended. The disaster household package contained 25-30 pounds of USDA Foods. Florida utilized its current The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) distribution channels, working in collaboration with food banks in or near the counties that were Presidentially-declared Disaster areas.
• On Sept. 19, 2017, FNS approved expansion of the disaster household distribution program from 9 to 39 counties. Distribution is these additional counties began on Sept. 20, 2017.

Child Nutrition Programs

• On Nov. 21, 2017, FNS approved a request from the state of Florida to extend flexibilities previously provided to school food authorities in 3 counties that received a Major Disaster Declaration (Monroe, Collier and Lee). The approval allowed schools to continue serving meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) at no charge to all students (and receive federal reimbursement at the “free” rate). Further, FNS granted the state agency discretion to determine which SFAs required this flexibility on a case-by-case basis. These flexibilities were effective through Jan. 31, 2018.
• On Oct. 12, 2017, FNS approved requests from the state of Florida to extend flexibilities previously provided to SFAs and sponsors in 3 additional counties that received a Major Disaster Declaration (Monroe, Collier and Lee). The request and approval largely mirrored those issued to 48 counties from Sept. 15-18, 2017 (see below). This approval extended the flexibilities through Nov. 30, 2017.
• Between Sept. 15 and 17, 2017, FNS approved several requests from Florida to provide flexibilities to school food authorities and sponsors in selected counties that received a Major Disaster Declaration. These flexibilities were effective beginning between Sept. 15 and 18, 2017, depending on the county, through Oct. 20, 2017.

Summary of counties approved:

• Sept. 15, 2017, for 13 counties: Charlotte, Collier, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Pinellas, Broward, Palm Beach, Glades, Hendry and Sarasota)
• Sept. 16, 2017, for 24 additional 24 counties (Clay, Duval, Flagler, Putnam, St. Johns, Brevard, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lake, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Polk, St. Lucie, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia)
• Sept. 17, 2017, for 11 additional counties (Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Nassau, Suwannee and Union)

Summary of waiver approvals:

• All students in affected disaster areas, including schools currently participating in CEP, could serve free school meals through the NSLP through Oct. 20, 2017.
• Schools had flexibility to serve meals through Oct. 20, 2017, that did not meet menu planning or meal pattern requirements for schools and child care institutions in affected areas.
• Schools had the option to operate the summer meals programs during the school year when schools had unanticipated closures without needing to offer the required educational activity. SFSP sponsors were also reminded they may also operate as emergency feeding sites.
• When necessary, summer sites may have allowed children to take meals from sites and consume them at home.
• Schools not directly impacted by the hurricane may have used their commodity foods to provide plated meals to shelters or other SFSP operations.
• Other flexibilities included allowing 2 schools to use the same location and claim meals separately through the NSLP and SBP; waiving the area eligibility requirements for summer meal sites; and several waivers and extensions of timelines related to administrative and operational activities.
• On Sept. 22, 2017, FNS approved several flexibilities requested by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), to assist schools, child care centers and sponsoring organizations operating the Child Care Food Program (CCFP). These approvals applied to all 67 counties issued a Major Disaster Declaration and expanded some flexibilities previously provided to 14 counties in Florida on Sept. 17, 2017. It also offered new/additional flexibilities for institutions and facilities. Specifically:
  • FNS offered flexibility to CCFP operators in what they could feed children, given the challenges of preparing specific foods during this period. The state reported shortages of milk and other perishable foods. Therefore, operators were able to serve meals through Oct. 20, 2017, that did not meet the menu planning or meal pattern requirements for child care institutions and facilities in the affected areas.
  • CCFP operators could also claim and receive reimbursement at the “free” rate for all meals served to displaced children in affected areas.
  • Additional flexibilities included certain state administrative functions and confirmation of the ability of the state and CCFP institutions to file claims beyond the existing 60/90 day requirement.
• On Sept. 17, 2017, FNS approved flexibilities requested by FDOH to assist schools, child care centers and sponsoring organizations operating the Child Care Food Program (CCFP). Approvals applied to 14 counties issued a Major Disaster Declaration in Florida (Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Hillsborough, Nassau, Orange, Polk, Putnam, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Volusia). Specifically:
  • Operators were able to serve meals through Oct. 20, 2017, that did not meet the menu planning or meal pattern requirements for child care institutions and facilities in the affected areas.
  • FNS approved a waiver of monitoring requirements for CCFP sponsoring organizations and confirmation of the ability of state and CCFP institutions to file claims beyond the existing 60/90 day requirement.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

• The state substituted fresh fluid milk and frozen juice. Fresh milk could be replaced by UHT or powdered milk. If stores ran out of 16 oz frozen juice, they were authorized to substitute 12 oz shelf-stable juice.

If you think you may be eligible for disaster food assistance in your state, please contact your local state office.