UPDATE: A 45% replacement of June benefits will automatically be given to SNAP users in affected counties, Oklahoma Human Services announced on June 29.
This means funds will be automatically sent to SNAP users' EBT cards by June 30.
The affected counties include Atoka, Creek, Johnston, Mayes, McCurtain, McIntosh, Muskogee, Payne, Pushmataha, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties.
"Our agency is here to provide help and hope to Oklahomans when they need us, and we are committed to using all available resources in support of this mission," said Deb Smith, Director of Adult and Family Services. "We are grateful for the support of USDA-FNS to approve the waivers needed to bring these additional resources and keep food on the table for Oklahoma families affected by our state’s recent storms."
Those who lost more than 45% can still apply at the link below for more reimbursement.
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Many Green Country residents are looking at a fridge full of spoiled food after widespread power outages over the weekend.
Anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars can set those who are most vulnerable weeks — if not months back.
If you are currently on SNAP benefits in Oklahoma, you can apply to have your destroy food replaced. That can be done online, by calling (405) 522-5050, or in person at aOklahoma Human Services office.
The caveat, SNAP users have 10 days from the loss of power to make that request, not from the day the food spoiled.
"It's hard to determine when the food might spoil. It may be different circumstances for each person," said Amy Roberts, deputy director of food and energy with Oklahoma Human Services.
Since some people still don't have power or internet, and some even losing a vehicle in the storm, it can be difficult to fill out the request form.
Roberts suggests borrowing a phone, using local businesses for Wi-Fi and power, or asking the Red Cross or Emergency Management for help.
Specifically, she said Red Cross or Emergency Management are good resources to help charge phones or assist in some way to help a person make that request.
In the meantime, the department has applied for a federal waiver to extend that 10-day deadline.
"We know there are some families that are really struggling with being able to take care of themselves right now and navigate through the power lose and the destruction that may have come along with the storms," Roberts said. "So we want to make sure that we give them extra time to focus on those things and then also be able to request assistance from us."
However, until DHS gets approval or denial on the extension, it's crucial to keep the deadline in mind.
With power lost early Sunday morning, current SNAP households have until Tuesday to submit a "destroyed food replacement request."
Again, you can apply online by clicking here.
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