Coconino County approves SNAP outreach agreement; staff outlines impacts from federal appropriations

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Nov. 18 to approve a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach agreement as presented by Health & Human Services.

Staff framed the contract with a not‑to‑exceed funding level of $93,344.82 and a reimbursement structure of 40% up to $37,337.93 for the period Oct. 1, 2025 through Sept. 30, 2026. The board also ratified work completed from Oct. 1 through Nov. 18, 2025.

Michelle Oxland of Health & Human Services briefed the board on federal action during a recent appropriations cycle that restored SNAP and WIC funding. Oxland described national allocations and contingency measures that were enacted during the federal lapse and said local partners and food banks provided emergency support while funding was interrupted. Oxland warned some rule changes: a work requirement extension (able‑bodied adults without dependents up to age 64 must work 20 hours per week) and a statutory exemption for American Indians; she also noted a future 2028 requirement that states with SNAP error rates above 6% may face cost‑sharing obligations.

Oxland provided local impact figures: SNAP served 8,265 households in Coconino County and the county saw long lines at food banks during the interruption; local estimates of affected households during the lapse ranged broadly and staff said a more precise impact estimate may take up to three months.

Supervisor Vasquez and others thanked staff; the board acknowledged emergency local measures such as lunches through senior centers and food bank support. The agreement was approved by motion, second and unanimous voice vote.