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APPENDIX V

Sample Wording for a News Release

USDA TO ISSUE EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE IN ____________ COUNTY.

RICHMOND – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the issuance of Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance benefits for hurricane victims in ___________ County.

County residents can begin applying for disaster food assistance on __________________ at the _________ County Department of Social Services, _____________, _____________. The site will be open _________ from __ am until __ pm. County residents who are not usually eligible for benefits may qualify temporarily if their home property or self-employment business was damaged or destroyed or if they have lost income as a result of the hurricane. Eligibility is based on available income and resources. For a family of four with an income of _______ or less, the SNAP benefit amount would be $____.

Those applying for help need to bring identification, which could be a driver’s license, school or work ID, birth certificate or other identification. Also, proof of residency, such as utility bills or tax statements, should be brought.

County residents who are already receiving benefits will need to call the __________ Department of Social Services at ________________________.

State and Federal officials are committed to providing benefits to all eligible households. Fraud staff may be on-site to make sure only eligible households receive disaster benefits.

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