For Immediate Release
Oct. 3, 2003

Richmond - The supply of "debit" cards used to spend food stamp benefits at the grocery store has been depleted in Virginia, but state officials are working to obtain more cards as quickly as possible.

"The volume of new applications has drained our supply statewide," said Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) Commissioner Maurice A. Jones. "The demand has far exceeded our supply. We have moved cards from localities that weren't impacted by Hurricane Isabel to those that were, but still don't have enough cards to meet the demand."

The food stamp benefits are being issued under federally established procedures to help low-income households recover from disasters.

"We are working with the vendor to produce additional cards," Jones said. "We will pick up additional cards on Sunday in Chicago. We then can distribute the cards to local departments of social services as quickly as possible to get them into the hands of people who need them."

In the interim, applicants may have to complete their application and return later for their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card and to select a personal identification number (PIN). The EBT card, similar to a "debit" card, replaced paper food stamp coupons last year across Virginia. The card is "swiped" through the same device that takes credit and debit cards as payment for groceries.

"We ask that those who need food stamps be patient when they go to local departments to apply," Jones said. "The local departments and their staff members are doing a tremendous job."

Grocers also should be aware that some of the new cards look more "generic" and are not the red-white-and-blue EBT Cardinal Card with the state bird perching on a dogwood.

Loss of food alone is not enough to be eligible for disaster food stamps. Low-income residents who have experienced loss of income or disaster-related expenses may apply for food stamps at their local department of social services, even if they previously have never received food assistance. There are federally established income limits.

Marcella Williamson
Public Affairs
(804) 692-1031
mkw900@dss.state.va.us