Word came Monday from the Agriculture Department, which runs the nation's food stamp program, that disaster food assistance could be made available through New Jersey's Department of Human Services and the lines have been growing ever since.
Two lines formed around the block at Camden City Hall today; one for those already receiving SNAP benefits and one for those not receiving help from New Jersey's Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.
D-Snap, D is for disaster, is offering both groups an opportunity to apply for a one-time supplemental benefit for expenses incurred during and after Hurricane Irene.
President Obama declared all 21 New Jersey counties disaster areas after he toured Patterson a few weeks ago.
The Christie Administration then announced the availability of disaster food assistance through the state's Department of Human Services earlier this week.
All counties in the state will be taking applications by early next week. More than 200 people lined up for assistance; so many, officials couldn't see them all today.
Individual applicants will receive up to $200 in disaster food assistance under the D-Snap program - families, more than that.
For more information visit: www.njsnap.org And nj211.org/hurricane.cfm
