SNAP cost shift could add millions to North Country county budgets
A federal change to SNAP cost-sharing is expected to increase expenses for Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties beginning Oct. 1.
A change to how the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is funded is expected to increase county expenses across the North Country beginning Oct. 1. States will assume 75% of SNAP costs, up from 50%, under changes signed into law in 2025.
Jefferson County has budgeted $300,000 for its fourth-quarter costs and expects the shift to total about $2.5 million by the end of 2027 and nearly $6 million by 2028. Lewis County expects an additional $300,000 in the next federal fiscal year, while St. Lawrence County expects an additional $775,000. Counties statewide are projected to face $168 million in new costs.
This story was written from a community submission and reviewed by a ClickNNY editor before publication.