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Today, SNAP recipients in Albany County can collect grocery gift cards at the Watervliet Public Library from noon until 2 p.m. The cards, redeemable at Market 32, Hannaford, or Tops, are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Single households will receive a $50 card, while households with children will receive $100.
The initiative, organized by Albany County and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region, aims to support residents during the ongoing government shutdown. To obtain a card, recipients must bring a government-issued photo ID, a current SNAP card, or proof of residency if the SNAP card is unavailable.
Gift card distribution continues tomorrow at the Guilderland Public Library and on Saturday at both the Watervliet Senior Center and Albany Public Library. The program is designed to help fill the gap caused by the federal government shutdown, according to News10 ABC.
The Altamont Enterprise reports that each household is eligible to receive a gift card only once at a single location. The cards are limited in number, so eligible residents are encouraged to arrive early to secure their cards.