Number: RL33102
Title: Federal Food Assistance in Disasters: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Authors: Joe Richardson, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: There are a number of federal food assistance efforts that can provide help in the case of disasters like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The most important are the Food Stamp program, child nutrition programs (e.g., school meal programs), and federally donated food commodities delivered through relief organizations and emergency shelters/congregate feeding sites. In addition, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) can play a limited role, if they have commodities available and providers are geographically positioned to help. Authorities under the Food Stamp Act, the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and Agriculture Department laws relating to the acquisition of commodities provide the Department with the ability to change program rules and acquire and distribute food in response to disasters.
Pages: 8
Date: February 23, 2006