Albany County is helping people who rely on SNAP benefits and are feeling the strain from the federal government shutdown. This week, the county is handing out grocery store gift cards at libraries and community sites across the area.
- Wed, Nov. 12: Albany Public Library, 12-2 PM
- Thu, Nov. 13: Watervliet Public Library, 12-2 PM
- Fri, Nov. 14: Guilderland Public Library & William K. Sanford Town Library (Loudonville), 12-2 PM
- Sat, Nov. 15: Watervliet Senior Center, 9-11 AM; Albany Public Library, 2-4 PM
Households will get one card: $50 for individuals and $100 for families with children. It’s first-come, first-served, and you can only pick up one card at one location.
This local effort comes as SNAP benefits face major cuts during the shutdown. The Supreme Court recently ruled the Trump Administration doesn’t have to fully fund the program, leaving it only about 65% funded for November. The administration says it can pull about $5 billion from a contingency fund—far short of the $9 billion normally needed…