Additional storm-affected counties added for replacement of SNAP benefits due to food loss

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 13, 2024) – Oklahoma Human Services has received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as "food stamps") replacement applications from households in additional storm-affected counties. This approval comes as the agency continues to respond to SNAP households’ loss of food due to power outages from the April 27 and later storms. Clients may submit a request for replacement of their April benefits by May 28, 2024.

Additional approved storm-affected counties include:

The original 12 counties approved for replacement benefits by USDA-FNS included:

Oklahomans residing in these storm-damaged areas may have lost food due to extended power outages, including nearly 174,187 individuals served by the SNAP program.

"Our hearts are absolutely broken for our neighbors who have lost their loved ones, homes and workplaces in these devastating storms," said Deb Smith, Deputy Director of Oklahoma Human Services and Director of Adult and Family Services. "Our clients should not have to worry about additional food costs while they recover, and we are deploying every resource available to us to help. We encourage SNAP families who have been affected to request a replacement of their benefits immediately."

Usually, SNAP customers would only have 10 calendar days to request a replacement of SNAP benefits. However, the agency received approval from the USDA-FNS to allow additional time for customers to report their loss of food. Affected households in the identified counties must submit the Request for Destroyed Food Replacement form by May 28, 2024.

“We’re saddened by the devastation of the recent storms in Oklahoma. The additional time for SNAP recipient families to report their food losses will, hopefully, provide some peace of mind,” said Southwest Regional Administrator, Bill Ludwig. “We will continue to work together to provide support, as needed.” 

Lost cards and other ways to access assistance

Recipients who have lost their food benefit card may request a replacement card using the following means:

• Online at www.connectebt.com, or by contacting Conduent at 1-888-328-6551
• In-person by visiting their local county office or the Mobile Offices

Individuals receiving state benefits, foster care reimbursements, adoption assistance or Child Support on the "Oklahoma Mastercard" debit card who have lost their card due to the storms may request a replacement card by calling 1-888-401-9843 for non-Child Support Mastercards, or 1-888-929-2460 for Child Support Mastercards.

If a client’s home has been completely destroyed and they have no way of receiving a replacement card in the mail, recipients may request the replacement card be sent to them at an alternate mailing address. Clients may call 405-522-5050 or make updates in person by visiting their local county office or the Mobile Offices.

Individuals needing food assistance may apply for SNAP at OKDHSLive.org via computer or mobile device. Those unable to complete the application online may also call 405-522-5050 to make an application by proxy over the phone.

For additional services and resources not provided by Oklahoma Human Services, please call 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 Oklahoma website.

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About USDA-FNS

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service works to end hunger and improve food and nutrition security through a suite of 16 nutrition assistance programs, such as the school breakfast and lunch programs, WIC and SNAP. Together, these programs serve 1 in 4 Americans over the course of a year, promoting consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, and affordable food essential to optimal health and well-being. FNS also provides science-based nutrition recommendations through the co-development of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. FNS’s report, “Leveraging the White House Conference to Promote and Elevate Nutrition Security: The Role of the USDA Food and Nutrition Service,” highlights ways the agency will support the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Strategy, released in conjunction with the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health in September 2022. To learn more about FNS, visit www.fns.usda.gov and follow @USDANutrition.

About Oklahoma Human Services

Oklahoma Human Services offers help and hope to more than one million Oklahomans each year through a wide range of services and support that promote their safety, independence and wellbeing. Learn more at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs.html and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.