Thousands stood in line to apply and receive disaster food assistance at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, waiting for on-site interviews in order to receive their food stamps.

  • DCF: More than 2.2 million Floridians received food assistance
  • $836 million in federal food benefits distributed in state
  • More than 35,900 applications for assistance approved in Polk

According to the Department of Children and Families, as of the morning of Oct. 18, the agency had approved more than 35,900 applications at the Polk site over the span of five days. It was expected to approve more than 45,000 by the end of the day.

Overall, Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) announced more than 2.2 million Floridians affected by Hurricane Irma had received federal disaster food assistance, accounting for more than 577,000 applications and $836 million in federal food benefits being distributed across the state.

“This Food for Florida event is a historic undertaking, representing one of the largest federal SNAP programs in U.S. history and DCF is absolutely prepared to meet the needs of every family in need,” said DCF Secretary Mike Carroll.

To place that undertaking in proper context, at the conclusion of its operations following Hurricane Harvey, the state of Texas processed approximately 500,000 applications for federal food benefits, just under the number of applications that Florida has processed in three weeks.

While the lines were long, those who made it to the end had smiles on their faces.

“It’s pretty easy. It’s not that hard,” said Stephanie Gooden, of Winter Haven, a single mom who wasn’t able to work after the storm and had to throw out the food in her refrigerator due to the power outage.

Another satisfied recipient was Carrie Caskey, of Lakeland. Both women said they arrived early and waited about two hours after the site opened.

“I’ve never seen something so organized,” said Caskey.

To qualify, applicants had to have lost food or income during the storm, or have damage to their home or self-employment property. They also had to live in a disaster area at the time of the hurricane, and currently not be receiving food stamps.

A family of three with a gross monthly income less than $2,354 hundred received a little more than a thousand dollars in food assistance. For an individual to qualify, they had to have a gross monthly income less than $1,664. Individuals received around $400 in benefits.

Recipients have 90 days to use the benefits.

DCF said at least two more sites are opening in the area. On Saturday, they’ll start accepting applications and conducting interviews at the World Camping Stadium in Orlando. That site will be open through Oct. 25.

From Nov. 5-8, another site will be open at the Pasco County Fairgrounds.