Emergency food stamp distribution has resumed in the Teche Area following Hurricane Gustav.

Distribution resumed this morning at the Jaycee Bingo Hall located at 2551 West Old Spanish Trail (Louisiana 182 west, near Darby Lane) in New Iberia. The hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Other area sites will be Magnolia City Park at 100 North Side Park Drive in St. Martinville, Franklin Recreation Center on Gum Street in Franklin and the West St. Mary Civic Center at 1498 Hwy 318 in Jeanerette.

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Each site is open daily, including weekends, until Sept. 23.

Louisiana Department of Social Services Community Specialist Louisa Reddell said current participants in the food stamp program do not need to apply for disaster assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav.

For current recipients, revised benefits will automatically be applied to their Electronic Benefit card. Only people who are not presently receiving this assistance must apply for it.

“Anyone living in any of the parishes within the disaster zone can apply at any of the sites,” Reddell said. “Residents do not have to apply in their home parish.”

Reddell said today it is too early for a decision on how food stamp distribution will be impacted by Hurricane Ike.

“We are waiting on a determination if there will be additional for people impacted by Ike,” Reddell said.

Individuals with disabilities can designate an authorized representative to apply for disaster food stamps on their behalf, and each site manager has developed special procedures for assisting the disabled.

For further information contact the Louisiana Department of Social Services at 888-524-3578.