Disaster food benefits will be offered in Robeson County starting Friday through October 6. 

Robeson County has been declared a disaster county by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, according to a press release from the county. These declarations allow the Department of Social Services to administer the Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits program.

“This program is designed to authorize food stamp benefits for eligible households that are not currently receiving food and nutrition benefits and have experienced a loss as a result of Hurricane Florence,” states the release. “Residents may qualify for assistance for a one-month period if their home was damaged or destroyed or they have disaster-related expenses, or they lost income or had food loss because of a power outage or household flooding resulting from Hurricane Florence.”

Residents currently receiving food stamp benefits are not eligible for this program, according to the release. “However, USDA has approved an automated Replacement waiver for FNS recipients who suffered a food loss as a result of the disaster.”

Applications for Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits will be taken at the Robeson County Department of Social Services, located at 120 Glen Cowan Rd., at the following times:

  •  Friday, Sept. 28- 8 a.m. until 5 p.m

  • Saturday, Sept. 29- 9 a.m. until 5 p.m

  • Monday, Oct. 1, thru Friday Oct. 5- 8 a.m. until 5 p.m

  • Saturday, Oct. 6.- 9 a.m. until 5 p.m

Verification of identity is mandatory for the head of household or authorized representative, the release says. This can be in the form of a picture identification or other form of I.D., including social security card, mail, or collateral statement. 

“Because long lines and wait times are possible, individuals are encouraged to bring medications and other necessary items,” the release states. “Due to limited space, individuals are encouraged to limit the number of people accompanying them and to consider arranging childcare if possible. Residents should come prepared for inclement weather while waiting outdoors as no outdoor shelter is available for those waiting in line.”