The state agency charged with making sure Georgia’s families have the necessities for living will issue disaster benefits in Southwest Georgia communities hit by Hurricane Michael. 

 

The month of emergency food benefits for many in South Georgia is over.

Those were Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or DSNAP, benefits. Plus, the $430 million disaster relief package passed in special session by the General Assembly included no money for hunger relief.

 

MORE ON HURRICANE MICHAEL: After the storm

 

So, for the first time ever, the Georgia Division of Family and Children’s Services will dig into their own budget to fund Disaster Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or DTANF, benefits. So said DFCS Interim Director, Tom Rawlings. 

 

“It may be anywhere from $14 to $30 million available for families that...have that economic impact,” Rawlings said. “It's what's really going to be a long-term hangover for that area.” 

 

Rawlings said its likely he will ask the General Assembly and Governor Elect Kemp to add the money back to the DFCS budget in 2019. 

Tags: Hurricane Michael  children  Food