OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – It was a mad rush Wednesday for money to replace food lost during Hurricane Irma at Osceola Heritage Park.
It was the last day for families who live in Osceola County to receive help through the Food for Florida Disaster Food Assistance Program following the hurricane, like Wanda Pittman's family, who received nearly $500 because they say Irma caused their roof to leak.
"We're grateful for what they offered us and what they gave us," Pittman said.
The government is giving away money, in the form of food stamps, to people based on factors like income and the cost of damage. Nearly 40,000 people are expected to get some kind of help, officials said.
Samantha Pauling fled to South Carolina ahead of Irma. She received about $300.
"Nobody was prepared for the storm so leaving the state it cost us a lot of money that we didn't have already. So I'm very grateful," she said.
Officials say if you missed today, you can get help at sites planned for other counties over the next two weeks.
Residents can check the other sites at foodforflorida.com. Next week, Marion County will be served and in two weeks, Orange County will also be on the list.
A Food for Florida Disaster Food Assistance Program location in Brevard County shut down early, because official said the massive crowds and lines of cars made it unsafe.