PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island is getting up to $2.1 million in federal funds to replace food assistance benefits lost because of power failures during a recent snowstorm.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed announced the funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday.
The Rhode Island Democrat says the replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, formerly known as food stamps, could help an estimated 20,400 households in the state.
Rhode Island experienced widespread power failures from the storm that hit earlier this month. The state applied for a waiver from the federal government to issue mass replacement cards for people receiving SNAP benefits who lost food because of the storm.
The total amount of assistance given out will depend on how many Rhode Islanders seek it.