ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Grocery stores across Central Florida are busy with people stocking up for the storm, but some residents on fixed incomes could have a tough time paying if they're between paychecks or food stamp benefits.
A spokesperson for the Department of Children and Families told Channel 9's Janine Reyes that emergency food stamps come after a storm, not before.
Cindy Skundrich's food stamp card receives funds on the 6th of each month for her and her son.
“I have very few dollars in my purse. But what I do have, I will buy what I can with it,” Skundrich said.
She called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to find out if funds will be available sooner because the governor declared a state of emergency.
For a family of four, the American Red Cross recommends a gallon of water per person per day and three days' worth of non-perishable food.
If the storm causes a power outage and food spoils, funds could be made available to replace the groceries.
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