TALLAHASSEE— For the counties of Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton the Florida Department of Children and Families is issuing the May distribution of food assistance benefits early on Monday, May 5 in response to the disastrous effects of the Panhandle flooding.
The intent of the measure is to ensure that storm-impacted customers have an adequate food supply during the disaster recovery period.
The advance distribution applies only to participants of the regular food assistance program in the affected counties. By issuing May benefits early in the month, current food assistance recipients will be able to access their benefits by using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
Approximately 58,002 households will benefit from the early release.
Food assistance customers in the affected counties who lost their food as a result of the flooding can apply to receive replacement food assistance benefits by visiting a local service center ( www.dcf.state.fl.us/access/CPSLookup/search.aspx), or by calling 1-866-762-2237 for more information.
For more information on the Food Assistance Program visit www.myflorida.com/accessflorida.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: DCF issuing EBT benefits early to flood-affected clients