Individuals and families still coping without power in the Milwaukee area are eligible for emergency FoodShare (food stamps) benefits to replace food purchased with FoodShare benefits that was spoiled due to lack of refrigeration or freezing.
The Milwaukee area experienced heavy storms on Monday, June 30 and as of July 2 many areas are still without power. Households without power are able to report the loss of food purchased with FoodShare benefits within ten days of the loss (by July 10, 2014), either verbally or in writing. To do so, one needs to complete a “Request for Replacement FoodShare Benefits” and they must also provide proof from WE Energies that they experienced an extended power outage.
For example: Kevin is a single individual receiving FoodShare monthly in the amount of $200. Kevin completes the Affidavit of destroyed food stating his food spoiled due to a power outage on June 30, and he lost $100 worth of food purchased with his June FS benefits. The worker would verify the power outage with WE Energies and his replacement benefit amount would be $100.
Hunger Task Force staff are available to assist with the Request for Replacement FoodShare Benefits form. Staff are available at the Coggs Center, 1220 W. Vliet Street, Robles Center, 910 W. Mitchell Street and UMOS at 2701 S. Chase Ave. They are available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For proof of power outage, WE Energies can be reached 24 hours a day at 800-662-4797.
