SNAP food aid signups to start Thursday for wildfire victims

December 21, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. | Updated December 21, 2016 at 9:30 a.m.

by Associated Press

Allan Rivera holds onto his son Nathan Rivera, 23 months old, as he looks at the remains of their home for the first time Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. The family evacuated from their rental cabin before it was completely destroyed by a wildfire. A week ago on Monday, hurricane-force winds whipped up fires that killed over a dozen people and damaged or destroyed over a 1,000 buildings in the Great Smoky Mountains tourist region. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)
Allan Rivera holds onto his son Nathan Rivera, 23 months old, as he looks at the remains of their home for the first time Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, in Gatlinburg, Tenn. The family evacuated from their rental cabin before it was completely destroyed by a wildfire. A week ago on Monday, hurricane-force winds whipped up fires that killed over a dozen people and damaged or destroyed over a 1,000 buildings in the Great Smoky Mountains tourist region. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean via AP)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Officials are starting to accept applications from victims of deadly East Tennessee wildfires who need temporary help buying food.

On Thursday, the state Department of Human Services will start accepting applications for Disaster Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits. Signups will continue Friday and from Dec. 28-30.

Applicants don't have to be SNAP recipients. Current beneficiaries may receive additional help.

An electronic benefit transfer card will provide families up to a one-month allotment depending on household size. The aid can be used for up to 90 days.

Applicants must live or work in Sevier County, have unreimbursed wildfire expenses and meet income requirements. Applicants must sign up at the Sevier County Department of Human Services or the county Health Department.

The Gatlinburg-area wildfires killed 14 people and destroyed thousands of buildings.

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