Harnett County Department of Social Services (DSS) staff told the Board of Commissioners on Nov. 3 that federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits were not issued for November because of a federal government shutdown, affecting an estimated 8,200 households (about 17,400 residents) in the county.

DSS Director Paul Walensky said the department will continue to take and process SNAP applications; when federal funding resumes, November benefits will be applied retroactively so eligible clients will not lose benefits. The department has posted information on the county website and social media about how individuals can check EBT card balances and has provided scripts for staff to answer public inquiries. The county has also compiled a list of food pantries and is organizing a countywide food drive; county departments collecting donations will deliver them to local pantries.

Walensky also announced his retirement effective Dec. 31 after 35½ years with Harnett County DSS. He said the DSS board has named Deputy Director Kelly (last name not specified in the transcript) as interim director beginning Jan. 1 and that the DSS board together with county HR will conduct interviews for a permanent replacement.

Board members asked about county contingency options to assist families while benefits were delayed; staff said because SNAP funds flow from the federal government through the state, the county lacks a mechanism to advance individual SNAP benefits and recoup them later. The county did, however, recently distribute state grant funds to some food pantries and said it could consider reallocation if other grant recipients relinquish unused funds in writing.

Provenance: Discussion and the retirement announcement appear beginning at 00:46:53 in the transcript and continue through 00:50:56.