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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES D-SNAP

10/24 VOLUME V, PART XX, PAGE 1

A. Introduction

If there is an emergency or major disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, snowstorm, drought, fire, explosion or other disaster, the regular program may not be able to handle the increased number of households needing food assistance. Under certain conditions, localities and states can petition the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to authorize implementation of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).

This chapter outlines how the Commonwealth of Virginia will administer an effective and efficient D-SNAP. Depending on the circumstances, Virginia will request program waivers, as appropriate. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Social Services will advise local departments (LDSS) of changes to required information needed for eligibility determinations.

The D-SNAP Web-Based Eligibility Application User’s Guide outlines procedures for accessing the online D-SNAP system. The User’s Guide is available at https://fusion.dss.virginia.gov/bp/BP-Home/SNAP/Disaster-SNAP.

B. Local Planning

Each LDSS must develop and maintain a local disaster plan. Local plans must be submitted annually by April 15th to the state office D-SNAP coordinator electronically for storage on a state shared drive. See Part D, Assessment and Evaluation of a Disaster for elements that should be included in the plan. A disaster planning guide is available online at https://fusion.dss.virginia.gov/bp/BP-Home/SNAP/Disaster-SNAP.

When a disaster occurs, VDSS will communicate with local personnel identified as the Local Contact for the affected locality. This contact will be to discuss the feasibility and desirability of operating a D-SNAP. A list of local contacts is available online at https://fusion.dss.virginia.gov/bp/BP-Home/SNAP/Disaster-SNAP.

If many localities are affected by the disaster, VDSS will hold a conference call with the Local Contacts to review the criteria for operating the D-SNAP. If one or more LDSS opts to apply, VDSS will convene regional, face-to-face, or teleconference meetings to discuss aligning program days/hours of operation and program options within the region. If appropriate, all localities must operate the D-SNAP during the same days and use the same program options.

Each locality offers different resources and may face different challenges in terms of staffing of the local social services department, physical space and community demand. If a disaster occurs, the need for assistance can vary greatly from one area to another.

Each LDSS must develop a local disaster plan that addresses issues and prepares the community to meet the needs of the citizens. The local plan must identify and include appropriate community partners.

The plan should also include other city/county government agencies that will share responsibilities during the disaster. The LDSS, with the help of its partners, will carry out those plans in the event of a disaster that warrants implementation of the D-SNAP.

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