'We've seen how strong and resilient this community can be': Pine County navigates impacts of government shutdown

Pine County is navigating impacts from the federal government shutdown, including a program that helps support about 3,000 residents.

Due to the shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits will not be issued for November.

"In Pine County, that impacts over 1,400 households; about 3,000 people," said Pine County Health and Human Services director Becky Foss.

Foss said the HHS office is directing residents to pinecountyconnect.org, which provides links to food access resources.

"We're also letting people know about Family Pathways, and Ruby's Pantry, and other food resources in the area," Foss said.

Angels of Hope is another Pine City-based food resource nonprofit organization.

Even though benefits will not be issued for November, Foss said Pine County is continuing to accept SNAP applications.

"We're encouraging people to apply as normal," Foss said. "And then the benefits, once they come on, and if people are eligible, they will get turned on."

Financial Assistance supervisor Michelle Greuel said updates on the shutdown impacts will be posted on the Pine County Health and Human Services website as the situation evolves.

"I think something that we're really encouraging people to do is to check in on your neighbors, check in on your community members," said Pine County Health and Human Services office manager and front desk supervisor Cassandra Olson. "See if your church is setting up a collection, or if there's other resources. If you have an elderly neighbor on a fixed income, check in and see if they need anything, or if you can deliver a meal. I think, really, that's the biggest impact we can make locally."

Foss said the Pine County community continually shows resolve and willingness to help.

"We work, live, and play in Pine County," Foss said. "We've raised kids here, some of us are raising our grandkids here. And we just really care about the community. We've seen how strong and resilient this community can be. And so in addition of taking care of each other, like we've always done, we are just encouraging people if they're able to donate to their local food shelf."

Foss encouraged residents to connect with their local food shelf.

"I think the most important thing is for people to donate to their local food shelves," she said.

Greuel acknowledged that it can be a "big ask" for community members to donate to local food shelves, but said any capacity to help goes a long way.

"One of the things to remember is that helping people who are in need can be a true source of strength and hope for our community," Greuel said. "I've been born and raised here my whole life, so I've seen the impact the community can make, especially in times where there's a lot of uncertainty. So I would just encourage people to check in with your neighbors. There's a lot of smaller groups that people belong to, and larger groups. There's a way to help no matter what your capacity is."

"Where we can make the most immediate and biggest impact for our community is to check in on our neighbors and to do what we can," Olson added. "Even small things make a big difference for people."

Olson said the county's HHS office has seen an increased call volume, and encouraged residents to stay patient when calling for information.

"Speaking on behalf of the staff, everyone has giant hearts and are really worried as well, and hopefully this will resolve quickly," Olson said. "But if you are calling and looking to talk to your worker, we do have an increased call volume, and they're all working hard to make sure everyone has the benefits that they have."

In Minnesota, 36% of SNAP recipients are children; 18% are seniors.

"Thinking about our most vulnerable population, and who this is affecting, is really impactful to me," said Olson.

Foss said there's a potential for other programs to be impacted by the federal shutdown in the future, including WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).

WIC funding is currently available through mid-November at a minimum.

"Right now, we're asking people to keep their WIC appointments, and continue to look at their WIC app for up-to-date messaging," Foss said.

Resources:

• Pine County Connect: https://pinecountyconnect.org/

• Pine County Health and Human Services: https://www.pinecountymn.gov/departments/health_and_human_services/index.php

• Family Pathways Food Shelves: https://www.familypathways.org/our-work/food-access/food-shelves/

• Ruby's Pantry: https://www.rubyspantry.org/

• Angels of Hope: https://angelsofhopefoodshelf.weebly.com/