ABC Columbia (FILE)     COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) says the department is requesting a waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that if approved will allow DSS to automatically issue federally funded food replacement benefits to current SNAP recipients. The benefits if approved will go to recipients residing in counties where 50% or more of the total population in that county has experienced a power outage lasting more than four hours per federal guidelines. The amount of replacement benefits each SNAP household will receive is based on their monthly issuance date. SNAP recipients are encouraged to seek verified information from trusted sources. Mass Feeding Operations Update: If you are without food and need assistance, food is available at your local food bank. Emergency shelters and feeding sites are also operating in some areas. For information regarding emergency shelters and feeding sites open in your area, visit the SC Emergency Management Division website at www.scemd.org, call the statewide emergency management information hotline at 1-866-246-0133, or contact your local county emergency operations center. Categories: Local News, State Tags: Hurricane Helene, South Carolina, South Carolina Department of Social Services