Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Family Assistance (DFA) is announcing that the Department is replacing Food Stamp benefits to clients affected by the widespread power outages during the past week. Towns all over the State suffered severe power outages as a result of the recent storm. Many homes in the affected communities lost food creating a critical need for food assistance.

"People receiving food stamps on October 29, 2012 who have lost food due to power outages may have their benefits replaced in an amount that is equal to their loss of food," said Terry Smith, Director of DHHS's Division of Family Assistance. "To replace benefits, we will require a signed affidavit and some sort of proof that the client lives in an area that lost power."

Recipients may not receive a replacement amount any larger than their October issuance of food stamps.

USDA Food and Nutrition Service has granted a waiver that allows Food Stamp recipients to request replacement as late as Wednesday, November 28th. To request food stamp replacement benefits, please call your local District Office.

Food Stamps is a federal nutrition program that is managed by the State's Department of Health and Human Services. Another name for food stamps is SNAP, or Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program.