Routt County commissioners on Tuesday approved providing up to $60,000 to supply grocery store gift cards for SNAP-eligible residents for the first two weeks of November.

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.

“I’m so proud to be a part of this county, that is even considering this as an option … ,” said Routt County Commissioner Angelica Salinas during the meeting. “On a personal note, I’ve had an EBT card. I’ve been on food stamps … It’s so important.”

“I would have starved without that SNAP card, so thank you,” she added.

SNAP benefits will not be issued to eligible Americans starting Saturday, according to a statement from the Colorado Department of Human Services.

“Because of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not released the funds that states use to pay SNAP (food assistance) benefits,” said the statement. “This means Colorado is unable to issue the approximately $120 million of November SNAP benefits to clients until the federal government restores funding.”

In Routt County, 423 households rely on SNAP assistance, totaling over 600 people, according to a statement from the county.

The county provides about $116,000 per month in benefits, which is electronically distributed to Electronic Benefits Transfer cards between the first and 10th of each month.

For the first two weeks of November, the county will provide grocery store gift cards to City Market and Safeway for all eligible SNAP recipients. If SNAP funds are still on hold in mid-November, the commissioners will consider allocating more reserve funds for gift cards.

“The idea is that we’ll purchase a bunch of gift cards in bulk, have them at the office, and then we’ll distribute them to clients that are receiving benefits,” said Routt County DHS Director Kelly Kissling during the meeting.

All SNAP-eligible residents will sign an attestation stating that the grocery store gift card is a one-time replacement for SNAP benefits, is to be used the same way as an EBT card, and can be picked up at the Routt County DHS office, 135 Sixth St.

The gift card funds are based on each household’s monthly SNAP benefits, rounded to the nearest $25, according to a statement from the county. The provided funds will be prorated for two weeks.

To combat any barrier to obtaining the gift cards, Routt County DHS will also meet people to provide the cards, allowing those with disabilities or a lack of transportation to get support.

SNAP recipients should note that existing EBT cards will not be deactivated, and anyone in need of food assistance should continue to apply and recertify for the program regardless of SNAP holds.

While finding a temporary solution, officials considered prepaid debit card options or increasing food bank capacity. However, debit cards could impose risks of fraud, and local food banks are already operating at maximum capacity.

Purchasing grocery store gift cards with county reserve funds is the quickest and most efficient solution, allowing SNAP recipients to continue to shop with “dignity and choice,” said Salinas.

Gift card distribution will be closely monitored by Routt County DHS, requiring ID verification upon pick-up, preventing any duplication.

All gift card recipients must be employed and be U.S. citizens, similar to SNAP program requirements.

Routt County DHS continues to work in collaboration with LiftUp of Routt County and the Yampa Valley Community Foundation to find long-term solutions, Kissling said.

“We’re really comfortable for a month,” Routt County Manager Jay Harrington said about the reserve funds. “We’re probably OK for two months … Right now, we’re looking at two-week increments on this so that we don’t end up with an inventory of cards.”

“I just want to congratulate you guys for rebuilding a program that has been in existence for a long time in just a couple of weeks and coming up with something that seems like it’s going to at least be a stopgap for us,” said Routt County Commissioner Sonja Macys during the meeting.

“The good news, of course, is because we have an incredible accounting team and really good fiscal policy, we have the money to be able to absorb at least a month without feeling the pain too much,” Macys continued.

For Routt County residents looking for ways to help, the county encourages people to donate food and money to LiftUp, which runs the only local food bank.

“Many individuals and groups have reached out asking how to help. The best way to support your neighbors right now is to donate funds to LiftUp,” said Assistant County Manager Melina Bricker, in a statement. “This organization serves one in seven Routt County residents, with as few barriers as possible for people to access nutrition. The food bank’s ability to purchase lower-cost foods also maximizes your dollars and impact for our community.”

“It’s mind-boggling, probably to all of us, to think that we are in this place,” said Macys. “Who would have thought?”

To donate to LiftUp, visit LiftUpRc.org/ways-to-give/donate-food.

For additional resources, Dial 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489, visit 211Colorado.org, or FeedingColorado.org/find-food.