No Immediate Disaster SNAP Benefits Following Biden's Disaster Declaration; USVI Moves Forward with FEMA Assessments; Power Restoration Nears Completion

Federal disaster declaration triggers 75% federal funding for recovery efforts; Power restoration hits 99% on St. Croix, 96% on St. Thomas, and 97% on St. John as FEMA and local officials begin comprehensive damage assessments

During Monday’s Government House press briefing, USVI residents received updates following the federal disaster declaration issued by President Biden in response to Tropical Storm Ernesto. Despite the declaration, the possibility of Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits remains uncertain, as access to these emergency funds has not been approved at this time.

Ryan Nugent, director of communications for the Department of Human Services, clarified that while the federal disaster declaration is in effect, it does not currently include funding for emergency SNAP benefits. "At this time, emergency benefits are not available," Nugent stated, adding that “we may have an opportunity to revisit” the availability of D-SNAP benefits after further evaluations are conducted. For now, food replacement benefits remain limited to households already enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with eligible recipients able to receive up to one month of food.