The director told the board the county has been receiving daily updates on FoodShare (SNAP) and that there is uncertainty whether November allotments will be usable because of federal actions. Staff advised recipients to use benefits before Nov. 1 if possible while state and federal agencies finalize guidance; the department asked that media inquiries be coordinated through the state Department of Health Services to ensure consistent messaging.

Director Paula Winter said that marketplace premium uncertainty — including delayed tax-credit implementation — may cause premium bills to spike and lead people to drop marketplace coverage. She warned the drop in coverage would likely increase county expenditures for emergency care, inpatient/residential placements and court-ordered institutional services because the county can be responsible for care costs for uninsured residents in certain circumstances.

Board members discussed local food pantry capacity, centralized resource guides, and how the county can promote available meal programs and donation drives to respond to potential increased need.