How does the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) assist in disaster recovery?

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) plays a vital role in disaster recovery primarily by distributing emergency food coupons and commodities. During times of disaster, access to food can be severely disrupted, making it crucial for affected individuals and families to have immediate food assistance. FNS acts by streamlining the delivery of food resources to ensure that those impacted by disasters receive the necessary nutritional support.

These emergency food coupons enable survivors to purchase food items, fostering a sense of normalcy and helping them to recover from the stressors associated with the incident. Additionally, the distribution of commodities through various food assistance programs ensures that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious food, which is essential for their physical well-being during recovery.

The other options, while relevant to disaster recovery efforts in general, do not specifically pertain to FNS’s mandate. Loan programs for disaster housing relate more to housing recovery than to food assistance. Temporary employment programs focus on the economic aspects of disaster recovery, assisting victims in returning to work rather than addressing their immediate dietary needs. Health assessments may play a role in comprehensive recovery strategies but do not directly involve food distribution. Thus, the primary function of FNS in disaster situations centers on food assistance, solidifying the importance of option B.