In response to financial strain caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown and the partial suspension of SNAP (food stamp) benefits, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to implement relief measures.
County Administrator Joy Andrews presented a two-part recommendation to help residents facing financial hardship amid the impasse.
“We all know that if the families are experiencing hardship without getting paid and not having their normal payment from the SNAP program, they may struggle in between utility payment or the health insurance or their car insurance or their food,” Andrews told the panel.
The first measure authorizes the county’s Utility Department to suspend service disconnections for nonpayment through the end of November, giving families extra time to manage bills while federal programs remain on hold.
The second measure allocates up to $200,000 from the county’s Emergency Response Fund to replenish local food pantries.
The funding will be administered through the Health and Human Services Department in partnership with local nonprofit organizations.
Both elements passed unanimously.
The board agreed to revisit the measures at its next meeting to determine whether further extensions or additional assistance will be needed.
Both actions took effect immediately following the unanimous vote of approval.
