Commissioners asked the county administrator to draft a plan for local food assistance after members said the federal government shutdown could end Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Nov. 1.

“...my understanding is SNAP benefits are going to come to an end November 1,” Commissioner Mike said, proposing the county prepare a plan to supplement food banks and organize a county food drive. “We give them a week to come up with a plan,” he added.

Mark, the county administrator, clarified that a formal financial commitment would require board action but estimated any county contribution would likely be “several thousand dollars” rather than a large appropriation. Commissioners agreed to start with a coordinated food drive and to ask Mark to return with a proposal within a short timeframe.

No appropriation was authorized at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to prepare logistics for a food drive and an option for limited county support if the shutdown continued.