Nothing is more important than providing
food when people find themselves suddenly, and often critically, in
need following a storm, earthquake, flood or
other disaster emergency. USDA makes sure that people have enough to
eat.
The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) coordinates with
State, local and voluntary organizations to:
Provide food for shelters and
other mass feeding sites.
Distribute food packages directly to
households in need in limited situations.
Issue emergency food stamp benefits.
As part of the National Response Plan, FNS supplies food to disaster relief
organizations such as the Red Cross and the Salvation Army for mass feeding or household
distribution. State agencies notify USDA of the types and
quantities of food that relief organizations need for emergency feeding operations.
FNS also authorizes States to operate a Disaster Food Stamp Program.
