Delegate Hillenbrand urges residents to use 211, family resource networks as SNAP benefits may be disrupted

Summary

During public comment, Delegate Hillenbrand briefed the commission on a governor's memo detailing state plans to support residents potentially affected by a federal shutdown and reduced SNAP benefits, including emergency funding for food banks, family resource networks, and National Guard assistance.

Delegate Hillenbrand used the public-comment period to alert county officials and residents to a governor's memo about resources for people who might lose SNAP benefits beginning Nov. 1 if the federal government reduces benefits.

Hilllenbrand said the memo recommends residents call the 211 hotline to find local assistance and described 42 family resource networks the state would use to distribute support. He said the governor had moved roughly $1 million in appropriated funds to expedite food bank distributions and that state special revenue and private donations were being lined up to provide additional support. He also said the West Virginia National Guard would assist in transporting food to affected areas, including deliveries to elderly and disabled SNAP recipients.

Commissioners thanked Hillenbrand for the information and asked him to forward the full memorandum to county staff. Commissioners said they would coordinate with local food banks and community organizations to make sure assistance channels and referrals were in place for residents in need.