Want food stamps? Must job hunt or volunteer

One Colorado country is telling residents if they want to get food stamps, they'll have to work, volunteer or enroll in a training program.

As of January 1, Moffat County is making the Employment First program mandatory for work-capable individuals on food assistance, according to the Craig Daily Press.

The newspaper said unless exempt, those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program between the age of 18 and 59 must work a minimum 30 hours a week or volunteer at a designated worksite for a certain number of hours per week or enroll in workforce training designed to help them find employment.

Colorado Employment First's website says the program promotes self-sufficiency and independence by preparing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients for employment through job seeking skills training, work experience and monthly job search support activities.

Employment First currently operates in 27 of Colorado’s 64 counties and serves 88 percent of Colorado’s work registrants.

However, it appears Moffat County is the first county to require residents who get food assistance to work, get involved in the program or volunteer.