Hurricanes Helene and Milton are behind Brevard, however the food-related rumors that swirl on social media after each main storm are quickly more likely to circle the House Coast and all affected areas within the Sunshine State.
For instance: Each hurricane season, usually well-meaning folks share posts stating that FEMA and the American Purple Cross will reimburse anybody who suffered spoiled meals attributable to energy outages.
And as all the time: That is not true.
Whereas the American Purple Cross is offering short-term shelter and meals for people affected by these storms, within the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida, the company won’t reimburse for groceries. The Purple Cross additionally won’t robotically, as is commonly shared, hand out $100, $200 or $300 vouchers to these reporting meals loss.
Identical goes for the Federal Emergency Administration Company: In accordance with info accessible at fema.gov, “meals loss will not be coated by FEMA’s Particular person and Households Program (IHP). Voluntary organizations within the catastrophe space might be able to show you how to with meals wants.”
It is a little bit completely different for individuals who obtain Supplemental Diet Help Program (SNAP) advantages. The Florida Division of Kids and Households has not but introduced tips for alternative advantages attributable to Hurricane Milton losses. That info might be accessible at myflfamilies.com/milton. The interval for making use of for help to meals losses from Hurricane Helene ended Oct. 6.
Extra:Will I nonetheless have working water through the Florida energy outages? Ought to I boil my water? What to know
In Brevard, for those who and your loved ones are in want of meals or different assist, name 211 Brevard for info on native assets.
For info on FEMA help, apart from meals, go to DisasterAssistance.gov or name 800-621-3362 (FEMA). The toll-free line is open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY’s meals and eating reporter. Attain her at aolesen@floridatoday.com.