Lines Continue for Last Day of Flood Food Aid

Chicago - Friday is the last day people affected by floods earlier this summer can apply in person for federal aid for food spoiled from those torrential rains.

As earlier in the week, there were long lines of people waiting to apply. Many people were returning Friday, having tried to get seen earlier in the week as well.

The money that comes from the federal government is being administered by the state of Illinois.

At 41st and Wallace on Chicago's Southwest Side, some people have been waiting in line for 2 days. Through the rain and overnight hours, thousands of people have been waiting to get anywhere from hundreds of dollars to $1,000 of federal disaster relief money.

In all, seven counties in Illinois have been declared disaster areas by the federal government.

"They could have done this in a much better way," said Bettina Standard, who has been waiting in line since Wednesday evening. "I mean, I understand having to wait some time, but two days and I am still here. Come on!"

Each applicant is eligible for relief aid from $200 to $1000, depending on how many people live in a household.

Some people have criticized the program, saying its is ripe for abuse because the only proof needed of food lost is just having to provide a verifiable address, but Standard disagreed.

"Do you think I would really be out here if I didn't need the help?" she said.

There was some security around the lines provided by police, but it was unneeded Friday morning.

More than 45,000 people have now applied for federal aid to recover property lost from the floods.

There have been long lines outside relief centers in Chicago and Melrose Park where the government has already given out more than $75 million in aid.

Flood victims have until Oct. 18 to apply for help.

People can apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov , or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)