Thousands of Tennesseans get disaster help

Thousands of Tennesseans from 45 disaster-designated counties received millions of dollars in food and cash assistance last month.
The Department of Human Services says programs provided food for more than 9,600 families who were not previously enrolled in the food stamp program. Nearly $4.4 million in disaster benefits were distributed to these families.
Additionally, more than 5,400 families already enrolled in the program received replacement benefits for food lost due to power outages or flood damage.
DHS also administered a cash assistance program for eligible citizens who sustained flood damage to their homes. More than 12,500 families qualified for the $250 and $500 payments. Just under $5 million in disaster cash benefits were issued.