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Adams County officials warn FoodShare recipients face uncertain November, December benefits
Summary
Adams County Human Services staff told the advisory committee that 3,380 residents received FoodShare in October and that federal funding delays have created uncertainty about November and December payments; the county is running an agency food drive to help fill gaps.
Adams County Human Services staff told the county's advisory committee that federal funding disruptions have left some FoodShare (SNAP) recipients unsure whether they will receive benefits in November or December.
Amber, a human services specialist, said 3,380 Adams County residents received FoodShare in October, including 2,395 adults and 985 children. "It totals 528,221 with an average allotment of $263 per household," she said, and added that the situation has changed multiple times in recent weeks.
Amber said the U.S. Department of Agriculture'Food and Nutrition Service notified states that, because of the federal government funding lapse, November benefits could not be issued on schedule. On Nov. 7, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued November benefits to households enrolled on or before Oct. 31 and the funds were loaded to Quest cards; members were notified by text message and access updates. "This ongoing uncertainty highlights just how unpredictable things can be when federal funding is interrupted," Amber said.
A later federal directive required states to reverse full SNAP disbursements for November; county staff said that reversal had not yet been fully implemented locally and that the department had no timeline for payments to households who became eligible on or after Nov. 1. The status of December benefits also remains unclear, staff said.
To help residents who may face gaps, the human services social committee is collecting nonperishable food items for a county agency food drive running Oct. 27 through Nov. 27.
Why it matters: FoodShare supports low-income households, older adults and individuals with limited income and also contributes dollars to the local economy; delays in federal funding can increase demand at food pantries and disrupt household budgets.
What the board did: The advisory committee discussed the update and did not take formal action on benefit administration; staff continue to monitor federal guidance and assist clients in the interim.
