About 9,300 local recipients at risk of not receiving food stamps

SANDUSKY — An ongoing partial federal government shutdown could open up a possibility in which thousands of Erie County residents won't receive a monthly payment to purchase food.Erie County Job and Family Services workers on Monday issued an alert to the 9,300 active Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program local recipients about obtaining their February benefits as soon as Wednesday, two weeks earlier than normal. Officials and recipients often shorten the phrase to "SNAP," referred to by others as "food stamps."Agencies nationwide want to release February's SNAP benefits ahead of time so recipients can best prepare themselves and their dependents.But why is this happening?In short, only enough money exists to provide these users — many of which are guardians or custodians with multiple children and senior citizens on fixed incomes — their normal financial allotment placed on Electronic Benefit Transfer cards through February.But, after that, there's no guarantee the U.S. Department of Agriculture can keep funding this program, leaving agencies, such as Erie County Job and Family Services, hamstrung in helping out people. The shutdown has significantly scaled back department operations. Many of its workers, for instance, aren't getting paid, and various services overseen by the department have been reduced or altogether stopped."You need to budget this amount to make it last," said Vicki Bayer, Erie County Job and Family Services' deputy director of community services. "We aren't sure what's going to happen. The people and the parents need to make sure they don't just go spend it all at one place at one time."Added local agency executive director Karen Balconi Ghezzi: "You need to handle your purchases carefully. We don't want children not to be fed wholesome meals."An earlier deadline also affords officials additional time to process both new and existing cases. With the notice, county workers expect more people to seek out benefits."We're doing this because we want to ensure everyone and children have a healthy environment that includes food," Bayer said.In Erie County, officials distribute about $1 million monthly to the 9,300 recipients. How much an individual receives depends upon the number of children, income levels and many other factors.For questions about receiving benefits early or applying for them in Erie County, contact 419-626-6781 or visit the office, 221 W. Parish St. in Sandusky, during traditional business hours.Figuring out food stamp fraudSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , or SNAP, benefits can only be used for food and for plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy:• Any nonfood item, such as pet food; soaps, paper products, and household supplies; grooming items, toothpaste, and cosmetics• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco• Vitamins and medicines• Any food that will be eaten in the store• Hot foods"If people see abuse, report it to us, and we will investigate if that person's benefits are being sold or abused," said Vicki Bayer, Erie County Job and Family Services' deputy director of community services.Source: U.S. Department of AgricultureReach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Many agencies nationwide, including Erie County Job and Family Services, are issuing February's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds ahead of time. They're doing this so people can plan accordingly as the ongoing partial federal government shutdown puts these funds at risk.