DHR providing emergency food stamps to tornado victims

Madison County residents who incurred damages or loss during the April tornado outbreak can now apply for emergency food stamps.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources will be at the First Baptist Christian Church Life Center in Huntsville, accepting applications from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day until Sunday.

Drenda King, executive director of Madison County’s DHR office said those eligible to receive the food stamps have to meet a certain income level and must have lived in within Madison County at the time of the tornado.

For example, a household size of one cannot earn more than $1,503 per month.

“People who receive regular food assistance are not eligible,” King said.

She said applicants must have some form of identification when applying, or bring someone who can vouch for that person’s identity.

“The application is a simple two-page affair and takes 15 minutes,” King said. “People do know when they leave if they are eligible or not.”

It can take 1-3 days for the funds to actually be placed on the card.

But, be warned, King said the federal government will randomly spot check to make sure information provided is accurate.

The days residents are encouraged to come and apply are broken down alphabetically:

Those whose last names begin with letters A through E had the opportunity to apply Tuesday, May 17.

Last names F through J can apply Wednesday.

K through O can apply Thursday.

P through T can apply Friday and U through Z can apply Saturday.

Sunday is a makeup day for those who could not make it on their assigned days.