How to apply for food replacement costs after a storm

Houston – Many people saw a lot of food go bad in their refrigerators and freezers during the power outage from the storms. With high food prices, this is a costly loss.

But many could get back up to $500 to replace it.

SUGGESTED: FEMA offers new aid and simplified application process for storm victims

The first thing I want you to do is check your homeowners or renters insurance policy. You may be covered for up to $500 to replace it with homeowners or renters insurance.

“It can’t just be due to a power outage. Your home must, in most cases, be uninhabitable,” said Richard Johnsont of the Insurance Council of Texas. “You may have had to eat out because you couldn’t go home.”

Check the first page of your policy for words like “refrigerated property,” “food rider,” or ALE, additional living expenses. Then check the conditions.

SUGGESTED: Texas SNAP recipients can apply for replacement benefits after storms

Take photos, find receipts, take inventory of expired items in your freezer and refrigerator. Remember, food in the freezer only lasts 48 hours if you don’t open the door. And food that stays in the refrigerator above 42 degrees for more than four hours should be thrown out.

“If you just document it and take pictures. Keep the receipts, especially if you’re using the option of eating out. Keep those receipts. If you were eating out, it didn’t necessarily replace the food,” Johnson said.

But first consider whether your deductible will eat up your benefit before filing the claim.

If you’re not covered for food spoilage, check your home warranty or ask FEMA for help.

SNAP recipients who live in one of the counties with disaster declarations can call 211 to apply for replacement benefits before June 17.

SNAP recipients outside of these counties must apply to a local benefits office within 10 days of discovery.

WIC recipients can also apply for replacement benefits at TexasWIC.org.