Routt County is distributing grocery store gift cards to SNAP recipients through Nov. 14 in response to the federal government shutdown and hold on SNAP funds.

The county approved providing up to $60,000 to supply grocery store gift cards for SNAP-eligible residents for the first two weeks of November during a county commissioner meeting Oct. 28.

The funds — which will come from the county’s reserves — will act as a temporary solution to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefit holds caused by the federal government shutdown, which affects over 600 Routt County residents.

“Should the shutdown continue beyond mid-November, the County will assess need and supply of additional grocery cards for the remaining half of the month,” states a news release from the county. “SNAP benefits are expected to be released once the shutdown concludes, and the county continues monitoring changes daily.”

Cards are distributed through the Routt County Department of Human Services building at 135 Sixth Street. Residents can pick up cards between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. through Nov. 14.

Verification must be completed in person by a verified SNAP household member with ID. All recipients must be SNAP eligible for November. All inventory will be tracked daily to prevent duplication, and amounts will match a household’s typical SNAP benefits, rounded to the nearest $25.

Households with mobility or other barriers should contact the Routt County Department of Human Services to arrange alternative solutions at 970-870-5280.

Anyone interested in helping with food security should donate to LiftUp of Routt County by visiting LiftUpRc.org/what-we-do/food-banks.