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Clear Creek County explores short-term food aid as SNAP benefits lapse
Summary
County staff proposed using state TANF and Collaborative Management Program funding to support local food banks and a backpack program while SNAP benefits are paused; commissioners asked staff to coordinate donations and report back at the next meeting. No county appropriation was approved.
Clear Creek County officials discussed short-term measures to keep residents fed after federal interruptions to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, with staff proposing that state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Collaborative Management Program (CMP) funds be used to support local food providers.
The proposal emerged during a county work session when Sarah Casano, identified in the meeting as director, told commissioners the department had been working with state TANF and collaborative management programs to “explore using some of our collaborative management program funding to support Loaves and Fishes.” Casano said the county would need to return to its oversight group for approval to use CMP funds for prevention and that staff would consult the county attorney about legal requirements.
County officials said the suggested bridge funding would be limited and temporary. Casano said SNAP benefit totals vary month to month but that “last month, it was around . . . 124,000” and that “594 individuals . . . received SNAP last month.” She said staff planned to ask the county’s interagency oversight group (IOG) to approve $5,000 for Loaves and Fishes for November and to explore using TANF and CMP funds to support the Mountain Backpack program and, possibly, gift cards distributed by Loaves and Fishes if that organization agreed to follow TANF guidelines.
Commissioners emphasized the need for rapid community support while staff put short-term measures in place. One commissioner said community donations, volunteer efforts and localized food drives could provide immediate relief “not to replace what director Casano is suggesting, but a way to augment what the food banks are doing.” Several commissioners expressed confidence that local residents would step up but warned CMP and TANF funds are limited and could be exhausted if the federal lapse continues.
The board did not approve any county expenditures during the discussion. Instead, commissioners directed staff to coordinate donation and volunteer options, expand pickup/distribution locations where feasible, consult the county attorney about legal and program constraints, and return with a more detailed plan at the next board meeting. Commissioners also suggested placing the topic on the agenda for the next mayors-and-commissioners meeting to explore municipal coordination and regional options.
The meeting later moved into an executive session under Colorado statute. A motion to enter executive session “pursuant to CRS 24-6-402(4)(b)” for legal advice on emergency medical services staffing was made and seconded; the motion passed. Meeting participants stated no written minutes would be kept for that executive session and that no decisions were made there.
Next steps identified by the board are: staff will (1) seek IOG approval for an initial $5,000 request for Loaves and Fishes for November, (2) coordinate with Loaves and Fishes and other food pantries about community donations and distribution needs, (3) explore use of TANF and CMP funds for the Mountain Backpack program and gift-card distribution consistent with TANF guidelines, and (4) present a follow-up report at the next board meeting. No formal county appropriation or long-term commitment was adopted during the session.
