Commissioners ask county administration to prepare a food‑bank plan if SNAP aid is interrupted

Commissioners discussed preparations in the event of a federal government shutdown that would interrupt SNAP benefits, with one commissioner asking county staff to develop a plan to support local food banks.

A commissioner said his understanding was that SNAP benefits could end Nov. 1 if the shutdown continued and asked the county administrator to prepare options to supplement food banks—suggesting organizing a county food drive and identifying nonfinancial supports. The county administrator said any county financial commitment would require a board decision but estimated any direct county funding would likely be modest—"probably several thousand dollars"—and recommended trying donation and distribution coordination first.

Commissioners and staff agreed to have the county organize a food‑drive effort, coordinate with local food banks and update the board on logistics, storage and any potential financial needs. No fiscal commitment was approved at the meeting.