With millions left without sustainable power and/or water in their homes due to the disastrous winter storm that hit Texas Feb. 14-18, finding ways to support oneself and/or family members may become a challenge during this time. Here are a few steps that may make life a little easier.

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) intends to provide adequate food compensation to those low-income families suffering from damage and food loss caused by a natural disaster. To be eligible for the program, you must sign up for D-SNAP or have already signed up for SNAP (not disaster related) within certain locations within your community.

This process may take up more time than someone has, so the program recommends to those suffering to call the number 2-1-1 to find immediate food for themselves and their families until the application process is complete.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) works with the federal government to make sure SNAP benefits are adequately funded and delivered. If someone is signed up for this agency, HHSC allows its recipients to receive assistance to not only food, but also health care, housing, and other needs.

If an application for the options above is taking too much time you can’t afford to spend, another alternative, and perhaps the most efficient, would be to find a place of worship or a nonprofit organization which is offering food around the community.

To receive benefits from SNAP quickly, signing up for the Food Bank may also be an option.

The North Texas Food Bank is reliant on donations and gets support from SNAP. NFTB.org claims that they increase enrollment for SNAP/D-SNAP. 

Aside from NFTB, there are other food banks such as Frisco Family Services, The Shepherd’s Hand, Minnie’s Food Pantry, and more, so do not hesitate to contact the one most advantageous to you to receive help.