Spoiled food? Food stamp recipients eligible for replacement food after power outages

 By RICK GREEN, LACONIA DAILY SUN

CONCORD — Food stamp recipients who lost food due to spoilage during the recent power outage are eligible for replacement benefits, state officials said Wednesday.

“To ensure replacement food, families must report food loss within 10 days,” Gov. Chris Sununu said. “Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for far too many New Hampshire families, and the recent storms should not force families to go hungry,”

Federal food stamp policy establishes four hours as the minimum time for a power outage in order to replace food stamp benefits.

A refrigerator, if not opened, will keep food safely cold for about four hours. After four hours without power, perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheese, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items should be discarded.

“Everyone affected by the power outage should follow the four-hour power outage standard,” said state Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers.

“People receiving food stamps can get replacement benefits so they and their families can remain food secure while New Hampshire continues its recovery from the storm damage.”

To request replacement benefits, food stamp participants must sign a statement indicating the food loss was due to a power outage related to the storm, and state the total value of the lost food.

For more information, people may contact their local DHHS district office or call 1-800-852-3345, ext. 9700.