D S S   P R E S S   R E L E A S E

For Immediate Release:
January 24, 2007

Contact: Ana Compain-Romero
(573) 751-4815

Blunt Request for Waiver Asking for More Time
for Missourians to File for
Replacement Food Stamps Is Approved

Jefferson City – Gov. Matt Blunt’s request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeking a waiver to extend the time frame for Missourians to request replacement food stamps lost as a result of recent ice storms has been approved.

“Many Missouri families, especially low-income families, are still reeling from the devastating affects of the recent ice storms, particularly with the loss of food purchased with Food Stamps," said Deborah Scott, DSS Director. "We are very pleased that the Governor's request to extend the USDA's 10-day rule for Food Stamp replacement has been approved.”

The Food Stamp program is funded by the USDA and administered by the Department of Social Services’ Family Support Division (FSD). Households who lost food purchased with Food Stamps may call or visit their local office to have their benefits replaced. Families affected by the ice storms that have questions about their food stamp benefits should contact their local FSD office.

Blunt requested for households that lost food purchased with Food Stamps during the recent ice storms that began on Jan.12 have until Feb. 13 to report their losses.