Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program - Overview
The Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program (DNAP) is one of the options that Arizona may use to provide food assistance to Arizonans when there is a disaster in a large area of the state. For additional options, see
In the Event of a Large-Area Disaster.
The DNAP is implemented when both of the following occur:
●An area is declared a disaster by the President of the United States (using Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Disaster Assistance Act of 1988 criteria), or commercial channels of food distribution were disrupted and have since been restored (using Food Stamp Act of 1977, as amended, criteria)
●The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approves Arizona’s request to use the DNAP.
NOTE There must be evidence that there is a disruption in food distribution for the people facing the disaster.
When a participant’s food is destroyed during a personal disaster that does not fall under DNAP, see
Replacement Issuance of Used Benefits.
The DNAP is a completely different program from the regular NA program. The usual NA program eligibility, verification, and benefit calculation do not apply. For the budgetary unit to be eligible for the DNAP, the following requirements apply:
●Disaster status
●Verification of identity
●Verification of residency in the disaster area, when possible
●Net income received during the disaster benefit period
●Accessible liquid resources (cash, checking accounts, savings accounts)
●Meets the disaster monthly income standard
NOTE Applicants currently disqualified from participation in the NA program are potentially eligible for the DNAP.
The DNAP supports Arizona's State Emergency Preparedness Plan. DES coordinates all efforts with the Arizona Department of Emergency Management, Arizona's lead agency in disaster situations.
Policy and procedures regarding the DNAP are outlined as follows: