It was a common sight on the Lower East Side in the days after Hurricane Sandy: National Guard troops and other aid workers distributing food to those in need. Now residents still trying to get back on their feet will be getting some additional assistance. Yesterday Congressional representatives announced they’ve secured $200 million in Sandy recovery money. Included in this initial distribution is $13 million from the Agriculture Department for storm victims who would normally not be eligible for food stamps.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is coming to areas of New York hardest hit by the storm, including the 10002 zip code, incorporating a large swath of the Lower East Side. Residents living in the impacted areas can apply for help through December 18 at 495 Claremont Avenue in Brooklyn.
State Sen. Daniel Squadron, who advocated for the federal funding and for the inclusion of Lower Manhattan in the program, put out a statement last night. “The approval of D-SNAP for residents throughout the city means that more New Yorkers in more places will get the critical food assistance they need,” he said. “Too many New York families are still struggling in Sandy’s aftermath. D-SNAP is one way to help them through this extraordinarily difficult time and allow them to focus on their family’s long-term recovery and rebuilding.”
