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Hurricane Irma: Marion County site for food assistance to close Monday

After a 24-hour power outage, some of the food in your fridge may need to be thrown out.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office Jail Visitation Center’s Food for Florida Disaster Food Assistance site will be closed Monday due to safety concerns.
The county said additional dates will be announced soon.
Last week, thousands of people packed the Cocoa Expo Sports Center Wednesday seeking financial assistance.
The program helps residents who don’t apply for food stamps, but whose homes were damaged by the storm or had food that spoiled due to power outages.
On the last day the benefits were distributed, applicants were turned away by 4 p.m. due to massive traffic backups and long lines.
They were told they could go to another county site.
The amount of money received is based on household income, family size and the cost of storm-related damage.
Those interested in applying for benefits are asked to preregister online and to bring proof of residency. Applicants who have savings could be denied assistance.
Residents in 48 counties that were declared disaster zones after the storm could qualify for benefits. Click here to apply for assistance.