Stearns County human services staff warn SNAP benefits could be interrupted if federal shutdown continues; county accepts state grant for prevention work
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Summary
Human services staff told the board that 12,500 county residents receive SNAP and that, if a federal shutdown continues into November, benefits could be at risk. The board accepted a state grant increase to support prevention work such as vaping education in schools.
County human services staff told the Stearns County Board of Commissioners that about 12,500 residents in the county receive SNAP (food assistance) and that the number rises to about 15,000 people if MFIP recipients tied to the same state systems are included.
Melissa (Human Services staff) told the board the county had previously received a state grant for prevention work and the state had increased the amount. The grant supports existing staff and community prevention activities such as school outreach, vaping‑disposal kits and substance‑use awareness programs.
On SNAP, staff said the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is the largest program impacted in the event of a federal shutdown. Because Minnesota’s MFIP system is tied to SNAP in the county’s older systems, MFIP recipients could also be affected unless the state decouples the systems. Staff said October benefits were expected to be paid; if the shutdown continued into November, benefits could be at risk.
When commissioners asked about the average SNAP benefit per person, staff said they did not have a single dollar figure available at the meeting and would follow up; they emphasized that SNAP is a support that frequently does not cover full monthly food costs, especially given inflation.
Commissioners and staff noted the downstream economic impacts: local grocery stores and other businesses that accept SNAP would feel reduced spending quickly if benefits were interrupted. The board approved the human services consent agenda, which included acceptance of the increased state prevention grant.
What the county said in numbers: - SNAP recipients in Stearns County: ~12,500 - SNAP + potentially affected MFIP recipients (if tied in state system): ~15,000 - Average SNAP benefit per household/person: not specified at meeting; staff said it depends on household size and circumstances and will follow up with details.
The board approved the human services consent agenda by voice vote.