State residents in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for food assistance from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24.

What You Need To Know

  • A food assistance program will send up to $120 million to residents in the western part of the state recovering from Hurricane Helene 

  • The application period for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program runs from Oct. 18 through Oct. 24

  • Eligible residents are encouraged to apply by phone by calling 1-844-453-1117

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is available to those who live in 25 western counties and to Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians members who live in the 28719 ZIP code. An early application period began Oct. 15.

“We are making up to $120 million available to more than 150,000 individuals to buy food for their families – an essential step on the road to recovery from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. We are committed to using every tool to support the recovery of our friends, families and fellow North Carolinians in western N.C. – now and for the long haul,” N.C. Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley said in a news release Monday.

Residents who are approved will get a debit card within three days of completing the application. The amount on the card is based on household size and disaster and income losses, the release said. Everyone who needs support is encouraged to apply, no matter the income, authorities said.

For more eligibility information, visit the Health and Human Services webpage.

Residents are encouraged to apply by phone by calling 1-844-453-1117, in person at D-SNAP sites or online at the ePASS Pre-Registration Tool. Residents who apply online must call the number above between Oct. 18 and Oct. 24 to complete the interview part of the application, officials said.

Applications are available in English or Spanish, allowing residents to fill it out ahead of time and bring the document to one of the D-SNAP sites.

An authorized representative will be sent to those with disabilities or who are unable to go to a D-SNAP site. This form can be completed in English or Spanish as well.