Governor Roy Cooper’s request for temporary food and nutrition benefits for Guilford and Rockingham county residents affected by the April 15 tornado has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That clears the way for tornado survivors in those counties to apply for temporary Disaster Food and Nutrition Services benefits.
"Tornadoes literally turn life upside down for their victims and people in these communities are working hard to recover,” Gov. Cooper said. “This help will make a real difference for many families and I encourage people who may be eligible to apply as soon as possible.”
The National Weather Service determined that an EF2 tornado with winds up to 135 miles per hour touched down in east Greensboro on the afternoon of April 15 and traveled north into Rockingham County. The storm caused one fatality, and damaged homes, schools and businesses along a path 33.6 miles long.
Approval of food and nutrition benefits for disaster victims follow a federal disaster declaration granted last week at Governor Cooper’s request to help tornado victims in the region.
This temporary food and nutrition disaster benefit is available to affected residents of Guilford and Rockingham counties who are not current recipients of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits, also known as food stamps.
Impacted residents who are not currently receiving FNS benefits may qualify for disaster assistance if they have suffered losses from the severe weather, including:
- Destruction or damage to homes.
- Disaster-related expenses, such as repairs to homes or businesses, or the cost of temporary shelter.
- Loss of income or food.
Eligibility will be determined according to federal criteria, and eligible residents will receive a one-month temporary benefit for their household.
Households impacted by the storms that receive regular FNS benefits and lost food as a result of the storm, can request replacement of benefits if they received April benefits prior to the storm. Replacements can be requested during the five consecutive days of May 17 through May 21.
How to apply for Disaster Food and Nutrition Services
Those applying for Disaster Food and Nutrition Services benefits must provide proof of identity along with proof of residency (if available), and must apply in the county where they reside.
Disaster Food and Nutrition Services sites will operate for five days beginning Thursday, May 17, and continuing through Monday, May 21, at the following locations.
Guilford County DSS
Location: 1203 Maple Street
Greensboro, NC 27405
Hours of Operation: Thursday, May 17 and Friday, May 18: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, May 19: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sunday, May 20: 1–4 p.m.
Monday, May 21: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Rockingham County DSS
Location: 411 NC Highway 65
Wentworth, NC 27375
Hours of Operation: Thursday, May 17and Friday, May 18: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday, May 19: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sunday, May 20: 1–4 p.m.
Monday, May 21: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Click HERE for additional information about Disaster Food and Nutrition Services from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.