In the wake of Hurricane Gustav, food stamps are now available to those who are not already on a food-stamp program in Washington Parish. However, there is an application process, and local residents who wish to receive food stamps must meet certain income levels, officials said.

“This is the Disaster Food Stamp Program,” said an official with the Louisiana Office of Family Support, under the wing of the Department of Social Services.

She said two locations are being set up in Washington Parish where people may apply: The National Guard Armory at 104 Ave. B in Bogalusa; and the old Franklinton Elementary School at 902 Cleveland in Franklinton. Hundreds of people were seen outside the Avenue B location this morning.

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The application process began at both locations at 8 this morning, and is scheduled to last until 6 tonight. It will continue for the next six days, including Saturday and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at both locations, the official said.

Those who wish to receive food stamps should visit either location and fill out an application. Interviews will also be held, and those who qualify will receive a food stamp card that will be activated within 72 hours, the official said.

One of the criteria is the loss of power for 48 hours or more, which forces people to throw food away ... this is to help those who cannot afford to replace it, an official said.

In order to reduce lines during the initial round of applications, DSS has worked with local officials to institute a system that would sort application dates by using the last names of those seeking benefits, according to a press release sent to The Daily News Thursday night.

Applicants would be sorted as follows:

- Day 1 (Sept. 19): A-C

- Day 2 (Sept. 20): D-G

- Day 3 (Sept. 21): H-L

- Day 4 (Sept. 22): M-R

- Day 5 (Sept. 23): S-Z

This would be followed by two open days (Sept. 24 and Sept. 25) where all applicants regardless of name would be able to apply. This system will work for both Louisiana residents and evacuees from Texas who took refuge here from Hurricane Ike.

“Governor Jindal’s top priority is that applicants do not have to wait in long lines and are made comfortable in air conditioning with water and healthy snacks,” said Interim Secretary Kristy Nichols. “This will depend in large part on applicants ensuring that they come to the application centers on the correct day. We must all work together to make sure this program runs as efficiently as possible so our residents can get the help they need.”

Those who have already received benefits from Hurricane Gustav do not need to reapply. Their additional benefits will be automatically uploaded onto their Electronic Benefit Cards.

Deputies and police are providing security at both locations.

The Louisiana Department of Social Services received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture to open Disaster Food Stamp sites in Washington Parish earlier this week and made the announcement late Thursday.

Individuals with disabilities can designate an authorized representative to apply for Disaster Food Stamps on their behalf. Also, each site manager has developed special procedures for assisting the disabled. Applicants with these special needs should make themselves known to the site manager or staff at the site.

In order to help the elderly, Council on Aging staff members have been trained to administer Disaster Food Stamps. People 60 years of age or older should contact their local parish Councils on Aging for the nearest Disaster Food Stamp Assistance Application Site for seniors. If the local Council on Aging is not available, seniors should contact the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs at 1-877-340-9100.

For information about the schedules of the sites and to learn who is eligible to receive Disaster Food Stamps visit: www.dss.state.la.us or call 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578).