News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The State of Tennessee will make applications for food assistance and a one-time cash payment to victims in need Monday.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services announced the two programs Friday to assists people affected by last week’s storms. Press Secretary Sky Arnold said that the programs have been put into place to help people across the state during the recovery time.
“This disaster really hit families all across our state hard,” Arnold said. “These families all in different communities are pulling together to lift each other up during this time. The Department of Human Services really wants to be right there with them helping. We believe these two programs will provide families with some temporary resources that they need so they can focus on putting their lives back together.”
Putnam County residents affected by the storm can now apply online for the programs because of the coronavirus. Residents beginning Monday morning can visit TN.Gov to register for either program.
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides temporary food assistance benefits loaded on an EBT card that can be used at any authorized SNAP retailer or grocery store.
“Essentially it’s available to families that lost food in the disaster either through the tornado coming through and damaging or maybe even from a power loss,” Arnold said. “It’s for people that lost food in the disaster but don’t currently receive SNAP benefits.”
The Emergency Cash Assistance Program provides a one-time cash payment to families impacted by the tornado.
“This money will help provide the Tennesseans that were impacted by the disaster with assistance they need to focus on whatever they need in rebuilding their lives,” Arnold said.
To be eligible, families must include a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman, have a valid Social Security Number, and live in a house or apartment or worked for a business that received significant damage from the March 3 storm.
Applications for the programs are now being accepted online. You can also apply at the Tennessee Department of Human Services Putnam County Office at 1000 England Drive, Suite A in Cookeville or at the Hyder-Burks Agriculture Pavilion at 2390 Gainesboro Grade in Cookeville. Applications can be made from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at both locations.
