The Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners on Oct. 30 approved a reallocation of $222,954.66 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Free Store Food Bank to respond to an immediate interruption in federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Commissioners said the move is an emergency step to address food needs while county officials press the state and federal governments for a longer-term solution. The vote to approve buy-leave number 3 was unanimous: President Denise Driehaus — Yes; Commissioner Stephanie Summerau Dumas — Yes; Commissioner Reese — Yes.

Commissioners and staff described the scope of the interruption and the necessity for rapid action. Commissioners and nonprofit leaders said roughly 97,000 Hamilton County residents could be affected by the SNAP change, including about 53,000 adults and 44,000 children, and that the county needed to move quickly to shore up food-provision systems. The board also asked private-sector and philanthropic partners to consider donations to help bridge the gap.

"We have to be uncomfortable because they're uncomfortable. It's uncomfortable time," Commissioner Reese said in remarks urging urgency and comprehensive review of county funds and programs to support residents. President Driehaus and Commissioner Dumas likewise framed the ARPA reallocation as an emergency response while maintaining pressure on state and federal officials to restore SNAP benefits.

County administration staff said $222,954.66 was available from previously appropriated ARPA funds and that ARPA coordinator Sarah Adams and staff worked with the Free Store Food Bank to expedite the allocation. The board moved the funds during the meeting and entered supporting written communications into the record.

Commissioners additionally discussed complementary measures: expanding free-store distribution points, coordinating with the Free Store Food Bank and JFS for gift-card or voucher programs, and seeking private-sector contributions. The board directed staff to accelerate contract and distribution logistics so emergency food assistance could be deployed quickly.

The ARPA allocation is a one-time emergency use of unspent ARPA funds; staff and commissioners said they will continue to pursue state and federal remedies to stabilize food benefits in the long term.