(NAFB) – Families in Louisiana affected by Hurricane Ida will soon be able to receive food packages containing USDA Foods.

The Department of Agriculture approved the short-term measure to address an immediate need for food until a longer-term solution is ready. Earlier this week, USDA also approved a waiver to allow participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to purchase hot foods with their benefits through September 28.

The Disaster Household Distribution program was approved to start on September 1, 2021. The program helps states and tribal nations after a disaster disrupts normal food supply channels. Louisiana officials will work directly with their partners and local food banks to issue up to 800,000 food boxes to individuals in the state. And food banks will use their current network of food pantries to distribute foods in areas affected by Hurricane Ida.

Each package will contain approximately 25 pounds of USDA Foods, including shelf-stable items like canned goods, fruit, protein items and other staples.