Background:

A severe weather system swept through the state on March 14, 2024, and included instances of tornadic activity, severe thunderstorms, and hail which resulted in injuries and multiple fatalities. The storm also left behind significant damage impacting local communities.

The damage was so extensive that on March 17, 2024, the Governor declared a state of emergency for the following counties due to confirmed tornado touchdowns: Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union.

Regulations allow for the replacement of food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits destroyed in an assistance group (AG) misfortune. Federal regulations also state that the report of the loss of food is considered timely if it is made to the State agency within 10 days from the date the food was destroyed. The AG must also sign an affidavit of loss (JFS 07222 “Statement Requesting Replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits”) within 10 days of reporting the food lost to the State agency.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has requested a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), to extend the 10-day period of time for an AG receiving SNAP benefits to report food loss as a result of the severe weather.

FNS approved the waiver request on March 21, 2024.

Update:

All SNAP AGs residing within the affected areas of Auglaize, Crawford, Darke, Delaware, Hancock, Licking, Logan, Mercer, Miami, Richland, and Union counties have until April 15, 2024, to report food lost due to power outages caused by the storms that occurred on March 14, 2024.

This means AGs then have 10 days after April 15, 2024, to submit a written affidavit of loss. Reports of food loss or replacement requests outside of these time frames are not permitted.