Disaster Food Stamp Program Protocol Guide

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In October 2007, San Diego County was unexpectedly challenged with horrendous wildfires that mandated the evacuation of approximately 500,000 residents and the loss of over 1,500 homes. The County of San Diego moved quickly to set up and establish Local Assistance Centers for county residents who were displaced as a result of the wildfires. The County of San Diego’s experience in responding to these wildfires led to the development of a much needed Disaster Food Stamp Protocol Guide. The purpose of this guide is to enhance the delivery of service in the event of another disaster. The protocols and training materials, developed by the county’s Health and Human Services Agency, were shared with and then used by the California Department of Social Services for its Disaster Response and Preparation Trainings and will be replicated in other California counties. Additionally, San Diego County’s Disaster Food Stamp Program Protocol Guide is being replicated at the national level by the US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Services.