Press Release
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that individuals recovering from the impact of recent wildfires and straight-line winds may be eligible for food assistance through USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Approximately 81,477 households in 28 zip codes in Los Angeles County are estimated to be eligible for this relief to help with grocery expenses.
California will be operating its virtual and in-person D-SNAP application from February 10, 2025, through February 18, 2025. Eligible zip codes in Los Angeles County include: 90049, 90265, 90272, 90290, 90402, 91001, 91006, 91008, 91010, 91011, 91016, 91020, 91024, 91101, 91103, 91104, 91105, 91107, 91206, 91208, 91214, 91301, 91302, 91321, 91342, 91344, 91750, 93510. California will provide additional information about D-SNAP application dates and locations through local media.
To be eligible for D-SNAP, a household must either live or work in an identified disaster area, have been affected by the disaster, and meet certain D-SNAP eligibility criteria. Eligible households will receive one month of benefits equal to the maximum monthly amount for a SNAP household of their size. These benefits can be used to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized stores or from select retailers online to meet their temporary food needs as they settle back home following the disaster. For more information about California SNAP, individuals can visit California’s Department of Social Services or call 2-1-1 for more available aid.
The announcement of D-SNAP is part of USDA’s efforts to assist California residents in coping with recent wildfires and their aftermath. Other actions taken by USDA include approving a waiver to allow SNAP participants to buy hot foods and hot food products prepared for immediate consumption with their benefits at authorized SNAP retailers in seven counties (Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura) through February 8, 2025. Waivers have also been approved for the 10-day reporting requirement for food purchased with SNAP benefits lost due to power outages in the affected areas. Additionally, operational flexibilities have been provided in multiple nutrition programs, including the Child Care Food Program, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, and the Seamless Summer Option.
The timing of D-SNAP varies depending on the unique circumstances of each disaster but always begins after commercial channels of food distribution have been restored and families are able to purchase and prepare food at home. While current SNAP households are not eligible for D-SNAP, California has been approved to automatically issue supplemental SNAP benefits to current SNAP households in nine zip codes (90265, 90290, 91008, 91016, 91024, 91301, 91302, 91750, and 93510) to bring their allotment up to the maximum amount for their household size if they do not already receive that amount. SNAP households in the remaining 19 zip codes may request supplemental benefits from their state SNAP agency.
Overall, the D-SNAP program aims to provide vital assistance to individuals and families affected by disasters, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to meet their immediate food needs. The USDA remains committed to supporting communities in California as they recover from the impact of wildfires and other natural disasters. For more information on D-SNAP and other available aid, individuals are encouraged to reach out to their local authorities or visit the USDA website for updates.
