Moore County has been declared a disaster county by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. These declarations authorize the Moore County Department of Social Services to administer the Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits program.
This program is designed to authorize food stamp benefits for eligible households that are not currently receiving food and nutrition benefits and have experienced a loss as a result of Hurricane Florence.
Residents may qualify for assistance for a one-month period if their home was damaged or destroyed or they have disaster related expenses, or they lost income or had food loss because of a power outage or household flooding resulting from Hurricane Florence.
Eligibility is based on available income and resources.
Residents currently receiving food stamp benefits, including those requesting replacement benefits, are not eligible for this disaster program.
Applications for Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits will be taken at the DSS building at 1036 Carriage Oaks Drive in Carthage beginning Friday, Sept. 28, through Saturday, Sept. 29, and Monday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 6.
Hours will be from 8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. each weekday and from 9:00a.m. until 5:00p.m. on Saturday. No applications will be taken on Sunday.
Individuals applying for Disaster Food and Nutrition benefits will be asked to provide verification of identity. This will not have to be picture identification; any document that shows their name, such as a utility or other bill, will be accepted.
Because long lines and wait times are possible, individuals are encouraged to bring medications and other necessary items. Due to limited space, individuals are encouraged to limit the number of people accompanying them and to consider arranging child care if possible.
Residents should come prepared for inclement weather while waiting outdoors as no outdoor shelter is available for those waiting in line.
No food vendors will be allowed in the parking lots at application locations. In addition, no donations will be accepted or distributed at application locations.
Due to the possibility of large numbers of applicants, neighboring residents and businesses should expect heavy traffic and parking in the area.
