Governor Blunt Announces Extension for Replacement Food Stamp Benefits

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

July 03, 2008

Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290


JEFFERSON CITYGov. Matt Blunt today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waived the 10-day rule in place to file for replacement Food Stamps. Recipients receiving benefits in Andrew, Atchison, Buchanan, Cape Girardeau, Clark, Holt, Jefferson, Lewis, Lincoln, Marion, Mississippi, New Madrid, Nodaway, Pemiscot, Perry, Pike, Platte, Ralls, St. Charles, Ste. Genevieve and Scott counties and the City of St. Louis affected by the recent flooding now have until July 31st to request Food Stamp benefits to replace food lost during these events. Gov. Blunt requested the waiver.

"The recent and ongoing flooding has put an enormous strain on many Missouri families," Gov. Blunt said. "I am pleased the USDA has honored my request to allow the state to administer Food Stamp replacements past the normal timeframe and make it easier for Missouri families affected by the flood."

The Food Stamp program is funded by the USDA and administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Individuals who lost food purchased with Food Stamps or who have questions about their food stamp benefits may call or visit their Family Support Division local office to have their benefits replaced. As the result of these most recent storms, the DSS has already replaced Food Stamp benefits for 61 people.

"Its important that we are able to provide additional time for our families in these communities to apply for replacement Food Stamps as many of them were forced out of their homes and are returning to find significant damage," said Deborah Scott, DSS Director. "Our local Family Support Division offices are seeing a number of people each day requesting replacement Food Stamps. We want to ensure all recipients are given adequate time to request replacements."

Families affected by flooding who have questions about their food stamp benefits should contact the local Family Support Division office.