Current basic food clients eligible for benefits to replace food lost during storm

JANUARY 9, 2009 NO. 009-001

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kathy Spears, DSHS Communications, 360-902-7893

Current basic food clients eligible for benefits to replace food lost during storm

OLYMPIA -- Clients currently receiving food assistance through the state Department of Social and Health Services may be eligible to receive replacement food allotments if they’ve lost food because of flood damage, power outages or other household disasters.
Clients requesting replacement benefits must:

􀂃 Report the loss to their local Community Services Office (CSO) or Home and Community Services Office
􀂃 Make their report within 10 days of the initial loss

Reports can be made by calling the local office and do not require an in-person meeting.
This benefit applies to current clients located anywhere in the state who have lost food due to conditions beyond their control. Any replacement is limited to the value of the food that was lost and may not exceed the monthly basic food benefit allotment.
People not currently receiving food benefits through DSHS are encouraged to visit www.foodhelp.wa.gov or call 1-877-514-FOOD (3663) for more information about the Basic Food program and to see if they qualify.

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DSHS does not discriminate, and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran’s status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.