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Catholic Charities staffer outlines SNAP outreach in Warrensburg, offers application help
Summary
Ben Drusco of Catholic Charities described local SNAP outreach, citing about 4,000 Warren County households on SNAP (roughly 11–12% of the county population), incentives at farmers markets, and offered to help residents complete 10-minute applications in person or by phone.
Ben Drusco, a Catholic Charities outreach worker, told the Warrensburg Town Board on June 12 that his office is actively enrolling residents in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and running education efforts across Warren County.
Drusco said the county has "approximately 4,000 households receive SNAP benefits," representing "about 11 to 12% of the county's population," and described the program's reach across seniors, working families and seasonal employees. He described SNAP as federal dollars spent locally and noted incentive programs that encourage farmers‑market purchases, saying the incentives both introduce shoppers to fresh food and help families stretch food dollars.
The nut of Drusco's message was practical assistance: he told board members an application can be completed "in 10 minutes," that benefits are issued on a debit-style card and that he offers home visits, phone and email help to complete enrollment. He asked town officials to share enrollment information with constituents and said he coordinates outreach with local partners including food pantries and veterans organizations.
Board members and attendees did not debate policy changes; Drusco framed the presentation as an informational outreach effort and said his visit was part of a multi‑town tour. He also noted Catholic Charities' other programs in the county, including the domestic violence project and clinical counseling, and emphasized that services are free to residents in Washington and Warren counties.
The board did not take formal action on Drusco’s presentation. He said he would stay after the meeting to speak with residents and that he can provide assistance at town halls, coffee shops or remotely.
