FNS Role in Disasters      

"Disasters" (using the common dictionary definition) come in all sizes and varieties, from an apartment fire which may impact one individual, to a tornado that involves tens or perhaps hundreds of individuals, to large hurricanes that can impact tens of thousands of people.  The vast majority of disasters are relatively small in nature; and generally State and local emergency management agencies, including the American Red Cross and other non-profit disaster relief agencies, are able to respond to the victims' needs without the need for federal food Assistance.  It is only when State agencies become overwhelmed - when an event impacts a large number of people and food assistance is needed for an extended period of time-  that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is normally asked to provide federal food assistance.  

Any natural catastrophe (including any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought), or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion in any part of the U.S., which in the determination of the President causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to supplement the efforts and available resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering.

Also, any other occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the President, Federal assistance is needed to supplement State and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States.   

Last modified: 09/25/2008