CONCORD, NH — The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
(DHHS) Division of Family Assistance (DFA) announced today that the USDA
Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will replace Food Stamp benefits to
recipients affected by the recent widespread power outages. Many lost food
because of spoilage due to the power outages caused by the winter storm.
“Individuals who were participating in the Food Stamp Program on November 26, 2014, may request replacement food stamps no later than December 10. We are requesting that the USDA FNS extend that deadline, but this federal permission has not yet been received,” said DFA Director Terry Smith.
Funding for food stamp benefits is 100 percent federal. New Hampshire Food Stamp
policy is directed by federal regulation, including replacement benefits for food lost as a result of circumstances such as the power outage.
To receive replacement food stamp benefits, recipients must provide a
signed statement indicating a food loss was due to a power outage related
to the storm. The statement must include the total value of the lost food.
An example statement is provided at nheasy.nh.gov. Clients may also contact
either their local district office or call 1-800-852-3345 x 9700 for
assistance.