TAMPA, Fla. — In the wake of recent hurricanes, thousands in the Tampa Bay area are struggling to recover financially.
To assist, the Disaster Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is hosting events across the region this week.
These events aim to provide food assistance to families affected by the storms, particularly as the holiday season approaches.
David Carrillo, an applicant at the Raymond James Stadium event, shared his challenges: “I had to buy a new fridge and stay in a hotel in Orlando,” illustrating the financial strain many face.
Bridget Royster from the Department of Children and Families explained that qualified applicants receive EBT cards on-site, offering immediate relief.
To qualify for the D-SNAP assistance, you do need to meet certain financial requirements, be a resident of the county where you’re applying, have lived here at the time of the storms, and have suffered some sort of storm-related loss.
“A lot of people are leaving here happy. So, this is one of the many ways that the Department of Children and Families has been assisting families as they recover from the storms. From Helene and Milton,” Royster said.
Vanessa Diaz, another applicant, emphasized the importance of this aid during the holidays.
“Everything has changed. Now that the holidays are coming, they should have some help,” Diaz said.
The program is available for Hillsborough County residents through Thursday. There will be another for Polk County residents at the RP Funding Center from Dec. 6-8, and one for Pinellas County residents at Tropicana Field from Dec. 7-9.