Support for HCPS Families: Meal Benefits and Disaster Relief Resources

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As Henderson County continues to recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene, Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) is committed to supporting our students, staff, and families during this time. Below, you will find important information about meal assistance programs and disaster relief resources that may benefit your family.

Free and Reduced-Price Meal Benefits

Families who have experienced a reduction in income due to Hurricane Helene may now qualify for free or reduced-price meal benefits, even if they were previously denied. This applies to families with children attending our 15 non-CEP (Community Eligibility Provision) schools.

If you applied for meal benefits this school year and were denied, please contact our Child Nutrition Office at 828-891-6310 to update your income information. Our team will enter this updated information into your existing application to determine if you now qualify.

If you have not yet applied for meal benefits this year, we highly recommend submitting an application. You can do this through the online system at lunchapplication.com. Paper applications are also available upon request; please call or email our Child Nutrition Office to obtain a copy.

Families at our 8 CEP Schools do not need to apply for free or reduced-price meals since all students at these schools already receive lunch at no cost. The CEP schools are:

– Bruce Drysdale Elementary
– Clear Creek Elementary
– Dana Elementary
– Edneyville Elementary
– Henderson County Career Academy
– Hillandale Elementary
– Sugarloaf Elementary
– Upward Elementary

USDA Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

Families affected by Hurricane Helene may also be eligible for assistance through the USDA’s Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). This program provides temporary food assistance for individuals who are not normally eligible for SNAP but have disaster-related expenses or income loss due to the hurricane.

North Carolina will operate its D-SNAP application from October 18 – October 24, 2024. Residents of Henderson County and other eligible counties can apply in person or via the State’s Call Center.

How to Apply:
In-Person Application: Visit 2111 Asheville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28791 during the following hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Weekend: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Call Center Application: Call 1-844-453-1117 to apply over the phone. Call center hours are:
Weekdays: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Weekend: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

To help manage call volume, the State has organized call times based on the first letter of your last name:

October 18: Last names A-G
October 19: Last names H-M
October 20: Last names N-S
October 21: Last names T-Z
October 22 – 24: Open to all applicants

For more details on D-SNAP eligibility criteria and required documents, please visit the North Carolina Division of Health and Human Services website.

D-SNAP Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify for D-SNAP, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You live or work in a disaster-affected area.
    You experienced income loss or have disaster-related expenses, such as repairs, temporary shelter, or evacuation costs.
    Your household meets the disaster income limits set by the program.
    Eligible households will receive one month of benefits, equal to the maximum monthly amount for a SNAP household of their size, which can be used to purchase groceries at SNAP-authorized retailers.

For more information about D-SNAP and other available disaster aid, North Carolina residents can also dial 2-1-1.

We encourage all eligible families to take advantage of these resources and continue reaching out to HCPS for support as we recover together.