Minnesota counties navigate uncertainty in SNAP benefits

[MUSIC PLAYING] INTERVIEWER: It's the 40th day of the federal government shutdown. One issue that sticks out from the historic halt has been the wobbling of the food assistance money meant for 440,000 Minnesotans, SNAP. Over the weekend, there was a back and forth in the courts over SNAP. And in that time, Minnesota leaders said they fully restored SNAP benefits.

But now, it's unclear whether that money is available from the federal government. Minnesota and its SNAP administrators across counties are navigating these conflicting developments. One of them joins me now. Barb Dahl is the Scott County Human Services Director. Thanks for hopping on with us today, Barb. Really appreciate it.

BARB DAHL: Thank you for having me.

INTERVIEWER: It's troubling that it's just been the zigzag, back and forth. Can you just clarify what your understanding of the most recent events are? Is there money in SNAP beneficiaries' accounts right now? Is it the full amount? What can you tell us?

BARB DAHL: Yeah. Between Friday night and Saturday morning, benefits were issued to SNAP recipients across the state. And those benefits should be available through people's electronic benefit or their EBT card available now. And it is the full benefit amount for the month of November.

INTERVIEWER: What sorts of questions do you have about what comes next? Is there a chance that it could be taken back? Or where do things stand from your preparation standpoint right now?

BARB DAHL: Yeah. I think as you had stated, there has been a lot of communication over the last 40 days regarding SNAP benefits and if they would continue or not continue. As it stands right now, as I think you had reported, we currently have right now the potential of a deal that is going to be looked at, having to first finish the processes through the Senate and then move on to the House and then on to the president for signature. If that happens, that would keep our SNAP benefits intact. I think one piece that is still questionable, however, is our understanding is that the continuing resolution does not include a hold harmless element regarding the administrative portion or any SNAP errors during the shutdown.

INTERVIEWER: Can you explain what that is?

BARB DAHL: And over the week--

INTERVIEWER: Sorry, can you explain what that is.

BARB DAHL: Yeah. And over the weekend after the benefits were issued by the state of Minnesota, the USDA sent communications saying that needed to be undone or there'd be administrative penalties because the full issuance was given versus the 65% that was really deemed allowable due to the SNAP kind of reserve funds that were available. And so the state operated off the fact of the Rhode Island court ruling and off USDA guidance that was received Friday afternoon.

But then on over the weekend, then there was new guidance that was given stating that just a partial amount could be paid. And so that would be the concern is if there is any need to undo that, which would hinge on anything that gets passed and then, of course, if there's any administrative penalties for that.

INTERVIEWER: It's hard to know exactly what's going on if you're not an expert around the courts. And in policies like this, I just think about just everyday people who are waiting to see if they're going to be in a good situation with SNAP and who are really relying on it. What kinds of questions and conversations are you having with folks about this right now?

BARB DAHL: I think there has been just a lot of uncertainty. Just people are trying to meet their basic needs. So there's been fear and anxiety just from the community that rely on this. So I think one of the things we want to make sure that people really understand is that if they were eligible for benefits in November and they have an EBT card that those benefits are available for use in the month of November. So just getting the word out regarding access to benefits as usual.

INTERVIEWER: I wonder what other types of solutions or routes people have been talking about with you who typically do receive SNAP benefits and were thinking they wouldn't or think they still may not in the future. Where else were people looking? Or were they just sort of bracing to take on that added debt?

BARB DAHL: One thing that we have been really impressed by locally within Scott County, but then I've heard similar stories, really, from all counties across the state is how community has really stepped up to really try to bridge the gap in benefits that weren't there. So I think that we have seen food shelves. We have seen faith communities or community organizations that have really stepped up, come out of nowhere, made donations, volunteered, really, to help provide additional resources when needed.

INTERVIEWER: That is tough, though, right? Because we are hearing about community serving community and restaurants offering free meals and things that are not sustainable super long term. And we know at the end of this month, Thanksgiving is coming up. There are some holidays coming up, obviously, in the month of December.

What are you looking toward for that time, specifically, that holiday time, that colder time of year where people's heating bills may go up as well? How are you all getting together and planning for that time? Not that it's all your responsibility, obviously, at the County, but I know a lot of the responsibility is falling on counties.

BARB DAHL: Again, I think keeping that communication open with our local nonprofits and community providers that really work with community, making sure that they have resources that are available. I think I would, again, just do a shout out that if people want to reach out or connect with their local food banks or hunger solutions or Second Harvest, I'm sure that additional resources are always going to be appreciated now, but especially as the holidays come near.

INTERVIEWER: All right. And just before I let you go, I wonder with some of the changes, Barb, and some of the uncertainty, is that something that you at the county level are looking at for in the future, next year, or in a couple of years, just being ready for more uncertainty, if that makes sense. How do you plan for that in your position?

BARB DAHL: I think there is still going to be uncertainty in our future, but I think that we have community and counties that are ready and prepared to work with those in need to provide the benefits that are available and hopefully continue to rally around if there are issues like this that come up in the future that we can resolve them.

INTERVIEWER: And just lastly, if people do have questions about their SNAP benefits, what's the first number to call?

BARB DAHL: One place that has continued to keep information up to date is the Department of Children, Youth, and Families website. And if you go there regarding their SNAP benefits, there's up-to-date information that they're changing daily as the different changes come into play. So that would be one place to always look. Also, just reaching out to their local county, to their health and human services office, and they can talk to someone there.

INTERVIEWER: All right, Barb, thanks so much for your time. Really appreciate it.

BARB DAHL: All right. Thank you.

INTERVIEWER: Thank you. That was Barb Dahl, Scott County Human Services Director.