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    • Lost food during Hurricane Milton? No, FEMA, the Red Cross will not replace it
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    Lost food during Hurricane Milton? No, FEMA, the Red Cross will not replace it

    Vaseline Posted on

    Hurricanes Helene and Milton are behind Brevard, but the food-related rumors that swirl on social media after every major storm will likely soon circle the Space Coast and all affected areas in the Sunshine State.

    For example: Each hurricane season, well-meaning people often share messages stating that FEMA and the American Red Cross will reimburse anyone who has suffered spoiled food due to power outages.

    And as always: that’s not true.

    While the American Red Cross is providing temporary shelter and food to individuals affected by these storms, the agency is not reimbursing groceries in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. The Red Cross also will not automatically, as is often shared, distribute $100, $200 or $300 vouchers to those who report food loss.

    The same goes for the Federal Emergency Management Agency: According to information available on fema.gov, “Food loss is not covered by FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP). Volunteer organizations in the disaster area may be able to assist you with food needs.”

    It’s a little different for those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The Florida Department of Children and Families has not yet announced guidelines for replacement benefits due to losses from Hurricane Milton. That information will be available at myflfamilies.com/milton. The period for applying for food loss assistance due to Hurricane Helene ended on October 6.

    More: Will I still have running water during the Florida power outages? Should I boil my water? What you need to know

    If you and your family in Brevard need food or other assistance, call 211 Brevard for information about local resources.

    For information about FEMA assistance other than food, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-3362 (FEMA). The toll-free line is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m

    Amber Olesen is FLORIDA TODAY’s food and dining reporter. Reach her at [email protected].

    Vaseline
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