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Douglas County staff warn SNAP benefits may be at risk amid federal shutdown
Summary
Human services staff told the board that 2,137 local residents receive SNAP and that benefits and related energy assistance could be jeopardized by the federal shutdown; the county is coordinating with partners and preparing outreach materials.
County human services staff briefed commissioners about potential disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) tied to the federal government shutdown and described local preparations.
Staff explained that SNAP (referred to in the meeting as food support) serves eligible households and that benefits are issued on EBT cards. County staff reported there are 2,137 individuals on SNAP in Douglas County, with an average benefit of about $146 per month per individual. Staff said the program is largely federally funded and that November benefits may be at risk while the county continues to process applications and prepare outreach.
“We are still processing applications, accepting applications, doing everything as usual so that we are prepared either way whatever happens,” a human services presenter said. Staff described extra phone calls and outreach work as clients seek reassurance and asked commissioners to note coordination with partner agencies including Outreach Food Shelf and United Way.
County staff said they produced a flyer for the office lobby and are sharing information with social workers, child-support officers and partner agencies to help clients find resources. Staff also noted related energy- and fuel-assistance funding (through organizations such as West Central Community Action / West Central Initiative) could be delayed by the same federal funding interruption.
Commissioners and staff discussed local food-distribution resources (including Ruby’s Pantry at Church of the Pines) and planned additional coordination and client communication. Staff said they will continue to update clients and partner agencies as the state and federal picture clarifies.
