FNS Disaster Assistance

Watch this 8-minute video to see FNS Disaster Nutrition Assistance Programs in action and the support brought to communities recovering from disasters.

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) coordinates with state, local, and voluntary organizations to provide nutrition assistance to those most affected by a disaster or emergency. 

• USDA Foods are currently stored in every state and U.S. territory and may be used by state agencies or local disaster relief organizations to provide food to shelters or people who are sheltering in place.
• If retail food stores are operating in the impacted area, state agencies may request to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).  
• In certain circumstances, FNS can also provide infant formula and food within 96 hours of a request by FEMA or a state agency.

Program Fact Sheets

• FNS 101: Disaster Assistance
• Disaster SNAP Fact Sheet
• Disaster SNAP Resources
• USDA Foods
• Child Nutrition Programs
• Infant Formula and Food
• WIC
• USDA Disaster Assistance for individuals and small businesses

Prepare

-- Ready.gov
-- Community Action Disaster Framework
-- Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance Center
-- CDC's Preparing for Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19

Learn more about Federal Government’s Disaster response

-- FNS Disaster Response Annual Reports
-- USDA Emergency Preparedness and Recovery
-- FEMA’s National Response Framework

FNS is part of Emergency Support Function (ESF) 11, Agriculture and Natural Resources and supports ESF 6, Mass Care.