Why does USDA provide disaster relief?
The Food Stamp Act of 1977 and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act of 1988 give the Secretary of Agriculture authority to issue emergency SNAP benefits during emergencies. The Stafford Act also directs the President to ensure that adequate stocks will be available for mass feeding in a disaster situation. Other authorizing legislation includes Section 416 of the Agricultural Act of 1949; Section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935; and Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973. Federal regulations governing disaster assistance can be found in 7CFR, Part 250.
