(DCCA) — The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program is pleased to announce that the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration, has approved the CNMI Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program and related disaster nutrition relief measures in response to the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
The approval authorizes NAP to provide temporary food assistance to eligible residents affected by the disaster and to implement additional support measures designed to help families recover during this critical period.
DNAP is a federally funded disaster program that provides temporary food benefits to households that may not normally qualify for ongoing nutrition assistance but experienced disaster-related hardships.
In addition to DNAP assistance for newly eligible households, the approved plan includes enhanced nutrition support measures for existing NAP households to help address continuing food security challenges during the recovery period.
Under the approved plan, there will be additional assistance for current NAP households.
Current NAP households will receive the maximum monthly allotment plus an additional 20 percent supplement for up to six months.
Households not currently participating in NAP but impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku may qualify for Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Eligible D-NAP households may receive up to two months of disaster food assistance benefits. However, as part of the approval, FNA has established additional fiscal and program integrity safeguards to ensure accountability and proper administration of disaster assistance funds.
During territorial monitoring of D-NAP operations, FNA will review program compliance, oversight activities, and fiscal accountability measures. Based on these reviews, FNA retains the authority to approve or deny the issuance of the second month of D-NAP benefits.
“We are grateful to USDA Food and Nutrition Administration for its partnership and support of the CNMI during this time of recovery,” said Gov. David M. Apatang. “This approval will help ensure that affected individuals and families have access to the food assistance they need while our communities continue rebuilding from the impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.”
The CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program is currently preparing for D-NAP implementation and will announce application dates, locations, eligibility requirements, and other program details through official public notices and community outreach efforts.
Residents are encouraged to follow official CNMI NAP announcements for updates regarding the application process and benefit issuance schedules.
The CNMI extends its sincere appreciation to the USDA FNA, Delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds, and the hardworking staff of CNMI NAP.
