WESTSIDE — The Arkansas Department of Human Services announced Monday that eight Arkansas counties, including Benton County, are eligible to receive Disaster Food Assistance (SNAP) relief.

Persons who resided in the affected counties at the time of the April 23 severe storms and tornados may be eligible to receive temporary DSNAP assistance, which is provided via an electronic debit like card and can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers. Household members applying must actually have lived in the disaster area at the time of the storms and must have suffered loss or damages, such as:◊Damage to or destruc tion of the home or self employment business. ◊Loss or inaccessibility of income including a reduction or termination of income or a significant delay in receiving incomedue to disaster related problems.

◊Disaster-related expenses (home or business repairs, temporary shelter, evacuation, etc.) that are not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster benefit period.

Residents seeking assistance beginning May 10 through May 18 should contact the DHS office in Bentonville, 479-273-9011.

News, Pages 10 on 05/11/2011