I won about 35K in various grocery stores, from a crazy contest at work. Don’t ask lol

Is it worth it to sell these gift cards at a loss, say 8-9% loss and keep it as cash and invest. Side question, will I now have to claim this as income when the gift cards were under the table?

Or use it for the next 6-7 years and have free groceries.

I’m thinking of selling at least half, and investing. I’m afraid inflation will lower the gift cards value over the next 5 years.

Thoughts?