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Albany County, in partnership with the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, is distributing grocery store gift cards to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. The initiative aims to provide relief during the ongoing government shutdown. The first distribution event is scheduled for this morning from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the RCS Community Library, followed by another event this afternoon from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berne Public Library.
Eligible recipients must bring a government-issued ID, proof of residency, and a current SNAP card to receive a gift card. Each household is eligible to receive one gift card, valued at $50 for single households and $100 for households with children. The cards can be redeemed at Market 32, Hannaford, or Tops.
According to NEWS10 ABC, the cards will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited availability. The program is designed to help fill the gap caused by the shutdown, as noted by The Altamont Enterprise. Additional distribution events are planned throughout the week at various locations, including the Albany Public Library and the Watervliet Public Library, as reported by WNYT.