Mississippi Residents Receive SNAP Benefit Boost After Winter Storm

Federal approval clears the way for emergency food assistance in counties hit hardest by late January storm.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Mississippi Department of Human Services announced that the federal government has authorized replacement Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for current SNAP households in 15 counties hardest hit by Winter Storm Fern. A separate waiver has also extended the deadline for requesting replacement benefits in another 28 affected counties to February 23.

Why it matters

The move comes after Winter Storm Fern battered Mississippi on the weekend of January 24 and 25, leaving icy roads, fallen trees and downed power outages that cut off electricity to tens of thousands of homes and businesses. Power outages can lead to the spoiling of food, which low- and no-income SNAP recipients may struggle to afford to replace without additional financial help.

The details

In the 15 counties most severely affected, eligible SNAP households won't need to submit an application to receive replacement benefits, as they will be issued automatically. For SNAP households in the remaining 28 affected counties, the process requires an application, but FNS has approved a waiver that gives residents until February 23 to request replacement benefits if they suffered food loss due to the storm.

  • Winter Storm Fern battered Mississippi on the weekend of January 24 and 25, 2026.
  • The deadline for requesting replacement benefits in 28 affected counties is February 23, 2026.

The players

Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS)

The state agency that administers the SNAP program in Mississippi and coordinated the emergency replacement benefits.

U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

The federal agency that authorized the replacement SNAP benefits for Mississippi residents affected by the winter storm.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.