WARREN — Trumbull County commissioners on Wednesday questioned John R. Gargano, director of Trumbull County Job and Family Services, about the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to area residents.

Gargano said he is waiting for information and direction from the state about the availability of SNAP payments. Partial benefits were supposed to begin being released on Wednesday.

“The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services has taken steps to provide SNAP benefits to individuals,” Gargano said. “ODJFS has requested to reduce the amount to to 65%.”

Gargano said when the federal government reopens, the instruction his office received may change.

“Those benefits that were reduced will be afforded to them in the future,” he said. “How and when that is going to happen I cannot say.”

Commissioner Rick Hernandez questioned how much money is available for SNAP recipients.

“Will it take us through the end of November?” Hernandez asked.

“Based upon the reduction, it should,” Gargano said. “Whoever is currently on SNAP will receive their amounts or their reduced amount. Those that have applied will have to go through the process to get the reduction.”

Hernandez said getting the program back in order is important.

“It will be a major issue for those that are really relying on this program,” he said.

Gargano said there are approximately 15,000 SNAP recipients in Trumbull County.

An estimated 1.4 million Ohioans receive $264 million in SNAP payments in a typical month. Because there could be a lag in the time when the funds are released, there could be a lag through December.

“We don’t know,” Gargano said. “We have not received direction.”

Gov. Mike DeWine has authorized providing $7 million to eight regional food banks throughout Ohio, Gargano said.

“He distributed $18 million in emergency relief to more than 63,000 Ohioans,” he said.

Commissioner Tony Bernard questioned the time frame of when funds will become available after the government shutdown ends.

“I don’t know,” Gargano replied.