Custer County commissioners on Monday authorized immediate county-backed coordination of food drives and short-term assistance to backfill Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits that stalled amid a federal government shutdown.

Chairman Bill Kanda called the special meeting to address delays in SNAP distributions and to assemble local partners who could provide rapid relief. "The main reason is getting back to our own people," Kanda said as he opened the meeting and explained the county’s intent to coordinate volunteers, churches and civic groups for a targeted response.

Human Services Director Vicky White told the board the department currently has 255 SNAP cases representing 437 individuals and that the county issued $78,642 in SNAP benefits in October. "We have 255 cases... a total of 437 children and adults that we provide SNAP benefits," White said, describing the caseload and why local backfill is needed if state or federal distributions are delayed.

County Attorney Dan Slater advised the board on the legal path for a longer-term county assistance program, saying state law allows a county to establish a temporary general assistance program but that creating a designated county fund requires an ordinance. "There is a statute... it allows the county to establish a general assistance program," Slater said, advising that a separate budget fund and ordinance would be necessary for a standing emergency-assistance account.

Commissioners and attendees discussed two tracks: immediate relief through coordinated food drives and donations routed to existing distributors (Care and Share, local churches, the Community Foundation), and a longer-term emergency assistance fund that would require ordinance procedures. Members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars said their organizations had seed funds and reimbursable money that could be used to help veterans quickly; Richard Vasquez, identified as an American Legion commander, said the Legion had funds available to assist veterans.

The board moved to authorize county staff and local organizations to coordinate donation collection and distribution targeted to SNAP recipients, to issue a press release encouraging donations and volunteers, and to ask Human Services Director White to develop distribution logistics and a list of participating organizations. Chairman Kanda moved the action and a commissioner seconded; the motion passed with all present commissioners voting aye.

The commissioners directed county staff to draft an ordinance for first reading if the board wishes to establish a permanent emergency-assistance fund, and asked Human Services to return with a status report and a list of partner organizations at the next scheduled meeting.

The meeting adjourned after commissioners reviewed next steps for outreach, a solicitation of donations to be posted on the county website and social media, and coordination with local distributors and veterans groups.

What’s next: Human Services will coordinate immediate collection and distribution logistics with community groups; County Attorney Slater will draft ordinance language for the board to consider at first reading later this week; commissioners said they will monitor state and federal action on SNAP funding and update the community.