SNOW HILL, N.C. - Social service offices are packed all across the east after President Obama signed the disaster declaration for seven counties in our state.
The declaration brings more relief aid and resources to the area.
It could also bring changes to the food nutrition or 'food stamp' service that many people are waiting for.
It's a packed lobby at the Greene County Social Services office, just about everyone asking for more food nutrition benefits - better known as food stamps.
"Today is the first day we've been open since the storm so, it's definitely been very busy this morning," said Christy Nash, Director of the Greene County Social Services.
Director Christy Nash says there are more people than she expected. She's tripled her staff and they can barely keep up.
Though the disaster declaration has been signed, the state still has to come up with a benefits program and pass that information along to local county directors.
Until that happens, Nash can only offer replacement food nutrition benefits - most of them less than what people usually receive.
"It's case-by-case, but certainly the storm didn't occur for the whole month of August. They get their benefits at the beginning of the month and they wouldn't necessarily get the full amount replaced," said Nash.
For people like Emily Durant who have never received food stamps, her only option is to apply and wait.
"I come here and you can't get emergency assistance. Food gone and you can't replace it and you need it now," said Durant.
State social service officials say they're putting a benefits application package that has to be approved by the USDA. No timeline on when that'll be finished, but they say just as soon as possible.
Until then, people like Durant will just have to find food somewhere else.
"Well we just need to get this process going for people who need the disaster relief funds. We need that, we really do," said Durant.
If you have already been receiving food nutrition benefits and need replacements, contact your local social services office to schedule a time for them to review your case.
If you have not received them before, you can still apply for them at the social service office.
If you qualify, expect to wait a few days before you receive your benefits.
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