New Orleans, La. - There were long lines and big crowds Monday at application sites in Orleans and Jefferson for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP).
At UNO Lakefront Arena, people arrived in the a.m. and left in the p.m.
"Outside I was out about 2 and half hours, inside about 3 and a half to 4 hours," said one man about his wait to apply. "Oh it's ridiculous. I've been here since 10 o'clock and I'm just getting out."
The crowd at Lakefront Arena was especially large Monday as people realized their time is running out to apply for disaster food stamps. The UNO site cut off the line around noon Monday. Officials say they had reached the maximum number of applicants they could serve before 6:00 p.m. People who were turned away were told to return Tuesday.
Tuesday was set to be the last day for applications.
"We've seen over 86,000 people around the state who we've issued cards to, " said Trey Williams with the Department of Children and Family Services. "$37 million in benefits are out there. So our team has done an amazing job in getting those benefits out there. Today we saw an unusually high number of people turn out though."
Because another big crowd is expected Tuesday, DCFS has announced an extension of the application process in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. Lakefront Arena and the Alario Center will now be DSNAP application sites through Thursday.
"What we're hoping to do is make sure that anyone that needs the benefits and is eligible for the benefits are able to receive them," said Williams.
DCFS has also requested an extension in St. John and Plaquemines Parishes.
A viewer photo of long lines inside UNO Lakefront Arena Monday
