The CNMI will begin rolling out its $40 million Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program by July, offering temporary food aid to residents affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku who are not currently receiving regular NAP benefits, officials said.
Gov. David M. Apatang, DCCA Secretary Frank Rabauliman, NAP Administrator Margaret Aldan, and NAP Administrative Services Supervisor Annie Reyes, at last week’s press briefing, said DNAP is aimed at non‑NAP households that lived or worked in the disaster area and can show losses between April 11 and May 10. “It’s for people that are impacted, severely impacted,” Aldan said, noting that the disaster area covers Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands.
Reyes said eligibility is determined strictly by federal rules. “These requirements were put forth not by our office, but our federal grantors,” she said. She added that even a one‑dollar excess over the income limit can disqualify an applicant. DNAP eligibility is based on total income plus accessible resources, minus documented disaster‑related expenses.
But many residents say the income rules and documentation requirements are too strict for families still recovering from Sinlaku. Several expressed frustration on social media, saying the process feels “too complicated” and “unfair” when the entire island was affected. One resident said, “Everyone was affected — why make it harder?” Others questioned why disaster aid requires such detailed financial screening when households are still dealing with damaged homes, lost wages, and ongoing utility disruptions.
Officials also clarified that non‑U.S. nationals are eligible as long as they are CNMI residents who meet the financial criteria. Reyes said about 5,300 households are currently on NAP, out of roughly 9,000 across the Commonwealth, meaning DNAP is expected to serve a large share of non‑NAP families.
NAP is the CNMI’s year‑round nutrition program for low‑income households. DNAP is a temporary disaster‑only program meant for families who normally do not qualify for NAP but suffered storm‑related losses. Aldan stressed that households cannot receive both. “You’re either a NAP recipient or a DNAP recipient, and you cannot be both. That is a big no‑no,” she said.
Reyes also warned that misuse of benefits — including using them to pay store credit — can result in long‑term disqualification. “Any violations could cause very, very severe penalties,” she said.
DNAP intake begins next week. On Tinian and Rota, applications will run from June 24 to 26 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and June 27 from 8 a.m. to noon. Tinian will process applications and distribute benefits at the U.S. Delegate’s Office, while Rota will do both at its NAP office.
On Saipan, applications will be accepted at the NAP office in As Lito from June 30 to July 2 and July 8 to 11, all from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EBT card distribution will take place at the Multi‑Purpose Center from July 1 to 2, July 6 to 10, and July 13 to 17, though officials said the site may shift back to the NAP office depending on operational needs.
Online applications will be available this week, and fillable forms, income guidelines, and the full schedule will also be distributed at agency offices and public locations for residents without reliable internet or printing access.
