OKLAHOMA CAPITOL -- The Oklahoma Department of Human Services will issue replacement food stamp benefits today through Aug. 15 to Oklahomans receiving food stamp benefits who lost food in the recent flooding.

Food stamp recipients in Comanche, Nowata, Ottawa, Pottawatomie and Washington counties may contact their local county human services center and request the food stamp benefit replacement.

“Rains and storms in early July led to flooding and utility outages in the five counties to the extent a presidential declaration of disaster was made,” said Kathie Wright, programs manager, OKDHS Food Stamp Section.

Wright said approximately 800 households receiving food stamp benefits have been affected by the flooding. The amount replaced will be based on how much the family has spent of their regular July food stamp benefit.

“If the household has already spent their total allotment for the month, the total allotment could be replaced,” said Wright. “If the family still has funds left on their Access Oklahoma card from their food stamp allotment, we’ll replace what was lost.”

Families have until Aug. 15 to report losses and request replacement benefits, said Wright.

Oklahomans not receiving food stamp benefits may apply at their local county human services center. All regular food stamp rules apply.

“Many families have been displaced by the flooding in their areas,” said Wright, “and we want to get them help as soon as possible.”

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