CIBOLA COUNTY — Now in June, 11,834 New Mexicans, including many in Cibola County, will receive an extra $135 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This one-time benefit aims to support older adults and adults with disabilities, helping them access nutritious food during the summer months.
Data from the United States census bureau shows that 20.3 percent of Cibola residents over 65 are in poverty. Cibola has a population of 27,172 as of the last Census, of this, 16.9 percent are 65 or older. That’s almost 4,593 residents. This means roughly 932 elderly residents are living in poverty.
These demographics show the importance of additional food support for the county's aging community that does not have many services, Cibola does have the Cibola Senior Citizen’s Center on 550 Jurassic Court in Grants on the East side of town who have historically helped support local seniors who are do not have food, their initiatives supported the community through the COVID-19 pandemic.
HSD was not able to provide data on how many Cibola residents would receive the assistance by press time.
The New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD), in partnership with the Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD), is providing this additional support as part of the state's ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity. This supplement targets those who received the SNAP State Supplement in February 2024.
“We are so grateful to once again partner with HSD in bringing additional relief to older New Mexicans and adults with disabilities,” said ALTSD Cabinet Secretary Jen Paul Schroer. “This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that New Mexicans have the resources they need to continue to purchase nutritious foods.”
The funding for this increase comes from the state general fund, secured during the 2024 regular session of the legislature in March. According to information sent by HSD, the boost in SNAP benefits will help at-risk New Mexicans purchase more food, supporting local economies as these funds are often spent at grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
“Through this collaboration, we provided muchneeded additional food support for New Mexicans who face significant barriers,” said Kyra Ochoa, deputy cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department. “Using state general funds to create extra benefits for seniors and people living with disabilities is a great example of how working together to build strong inter-departmental partnerships can best serve New Mexicans in need.”
Qualifying SNAP recipients do not need to take any action to receive this supplemental benefit, as it will be automatically added to their EBT cards. For more information or questions regarding these additional SNAP benefits, individuals can contact the Human Services Department at 1-800-2834465.