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Olmsted County approves Channel One contract to distribute emergency food as SNAP funding gaps persist
Summary
Facing SNAP interruptions after a federal funding gap, the board authorized a purchase‑of‑service agreement with Channel One to distribute about 5,000 food boxes across six locations; staff said roughly 5,900 households (about 10,700 individuals) in the county were affected and that Channel One demand has risen.
Olmsted County authorized a purchase‑of‑service agreement and delegated signature authority to Amy Rockwater so Channel One can distribute emergency food boxes to households affected by disruptions to SNAP benefits.
County staff briefed the board on federal developments: two federal court orders required USDA to use contingency funds to partially cover SNAP shortfalls, an action that may provide roughly half of regular monthly benefits in some months while state and federal processes move to release additional funding. Staff said the timing and full impact remain uncertain, and that the county’s partnership with Channel One will provide immediate support to affected households.
Staff estimated approximately 5,900 households — about 10,700 individuals — in Olmsted County are affected by the SNAP changes. Channel One reported an increase in daily household visits (from about 450 to 550 per day) and staff described a plan to distribute roughly 5,000 food boxes across six locations, with SNAP recipients registering to collect boxes and with volunteer support from Channel One.
The board moved and approved the purchase‑of‑service agreement (a contract above $175,000 requiring board approval) and delegated signature authority to Amy Rockwater to execute the agreement. Staff said distributions could begin as early as the coming Friday and that the county will continue to monitor state and federal funding updates including a separate $4 million Governor‑directed allocation whose local effect is still being assessed.
Next steps: the county will proceed with Channel One distributions, monitor federal and state actions regarding SNAP, and report back as circumstances evolve.
