TO:	Local District Commissioners; TA Directors; FS Directors

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

SUBJECT:	 Food Stamp Disaster Plan:  Local District Contacts

EFFECTIVE DATE:	June 4, 2004

CONTACT PERSON:	Dave Staszak at 1-800-343-8859 x 3-1469

The need to be ready to meet the needs of disaster victims, including the ability to issue food stamp benefits to eligible households, is vital to your district and the State.  This office is requesting your district’s Food Stamp contact telephone number to be used in the event of an emergency or disaster.  We use this number to make sure you get timely program support and information in the event of an emergency or 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 of your Food Stamp emergency contact by calling or e-mailing:

Phone:  Dave Staszak at 1-800-343-8859 x 3-1469
or
E-mail:  Barbara.Williams@dfa.state.ny.us

Your response by June 18, 2004 will ensure that your county will be included in the annual State Food Stamp Disaster Plan that is filed with the United States Department of Agriculture and the State Emergency Management Office.