CNMI NAP Receives USDA FNS Approval for Waivers on Automatic Mass Replacement and Hot Food

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA), Division of Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP), announces that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved critical emergency relief measures to support NAP households impacted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

Automatic Mass Replacement of Benefits

All active NAP households that received April 2026 benefits will automatically receive a 63% replacement of their regular monthly benefits to help with food losses resulting from extended power outages and other typhoon-related damages.

● No application is required

● Benefits will be automatically credited to EBT cards

● This action is intended to help families recover food losses due to prolonged power outages, flooding, and storm-related damages

This approval allows CNMI NAP to issue replacement benefits efficiently without requiring households to submit individual affidavits of food loss. The 63% of April benefit replacement will be available within 5-10 business days.

Hot Foods Purchase Waiver

FNS has also approved a temporary waiver allowing NAP participants to purchase hot, prepared foods from authorized NAP retailers.

● Effective immediately through May 27, 2026

● Applies territory-wide (Saipan, Tinian, and Rota)

● Helps households without electricity or cooking facilities access ready-to-eat meals

● Local benefits can be used to purchase Hot prepared foods.

FNS may consider extending this waiver if conditions warrant and a request is submitted before expiration. Participants are encouraged to monitor official CNMI government announcements for updates and to ensure their contact information is current.

Governor David M. Apatang and Lt. Governor Dennis Mendiola, in coordination with FNS, remain committed to supporting our CNMI residents during recovery and ensuring continued access to essential food resources.

“These emergency measures are about ensuring that our families have access to food during one of the most difficult times,” said DCCA Secretary Francisco M. Rabauliman. “We remain committed to working with our federal partners to bring timely and meaningful support to our community.”

The CNMI NAP continues to assess community needs and will provide updates as additional assistance becomes available. For more information, please contact the NAP Office at (670) 237-2800.