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Washoe County coordinates with state and food banks as SNAP benefits face suspension
Summary
County officials said the state is considering a temporary reallocation of roughly $5.9 million in unspent state ARPA funds to food distribution programs and that Washoe County will work with the Nevada Department of Agriculture and local food banks to reach residents affected by a suspension of SNAP benefits.
County officials said Oct. 28 they are preparing to coordinate with the state and local nonprofits after federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were scheduled for suspension.
"We have learned a special meeting of the interim finance committee ... to reallocate about $5,900,000 in unspent state ARPA funds to the food insecurities program," County Manager Kate Thomas told the Board of County Commissioners. She said the Nevada Department of Agriculture would funnel the food through the Northern Nevada Food Bank.
Why it matters: SNAP provides immediate purchasing power for households to buy groceries. Local officials said a temporary switch from electronic benefits to food distribution could confuse seniors and other residents who expect funds on EBT cards.
Thomas said the state has scheduled a meeting to consider emergency work programs that would reallocate the funds and that details about how food and commodities will be distributed are still being developed. "Obviously we'll get that word out, but it's expected that the Department of Ag will work directly with our food banks," she said. Thomas added county staff are in contact with the food bank and county human services staff to plan distribution logistics for the community.
Commissioner Garcia and others urged the county to help coordinate public messaging and community supports. Garcia said she had been in contact with food-bank leadership and suggested the county promote direct employee donations; Thomas said staff are exploring options such as providing a QR code so county employees can give directly to the food bank.
Commissioners also discussed transportation and store-level distribution options. The board asked county communications staff to coordinate with state and local partners so residents — particularly seniors and people without internet access — understand where to get food and how any transitional distribution differs from EBT cards.
What remains unclear: Thomas said the $5.9 million figure is an initial reallocation statewide and that the state is exploring additional funds; she cautioned $5.9 million statewide will not cover the full need and that more details were pending. The mechanics of distribution, pickup locations and eligibility rules are "still in development," she said.
Next steps: Thomas said county staff will continue coordination with the Northern Nevada Food Bank, the governor's office of finance, the Nevada Department of Agriculture and county departments, and will share updates with the board and the public as they become available.
