TO:	Local District Commissioners; TA Directors; FS Directors

FROM:	Patricia A. Stevens, Deputy Commissioner
	Division of Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT:	 Food Stamp Disaster Plan Local Contacts

EFFECTIVE DATE:	Immediately

CONTACT PERSON:	Barbara Williams at 1-800-343-8859 x 3-1469

New York State has had to use Food Stamp Disaster Issuance several times even before the tragedy on 9/11.  The need to be ready to meet the needs of disaster victims is vital to your district and the State.  Therefore, we must have your district’s Food Stamp contact number to be used in the event of a declared disaster.  We use this number to make sure you get immediate program support and information in the event of another disaster. Because the contact number will need to be operational on a 24-hour basis, many districts have designated either their disaster operations center or the county sheriff's office. Please advise us by February 12, 2003 of your contact via e-mail or call the contact person listed above, so that your County will be included in the State Food Stamp Disaster Plan that we file with USDA and SEMO.  Thank you for your help.