Community Requests Increased Funding for Food Programs in Laredo

The Laredo City Council Workshop held on August 14, 2025, focused on critical community funding issues and transparency in budget allocations. The meeting began with a presentation from a local organization that provides food assistance to children, particularly those from underserved areas. The representative emphasized the importance of their services, noting that they often fill gaps left by local school districts, UISD and LISD, which do not provide adequate food support. They requested the Council to consider increasing funding, highlighting that their current budget of $2 million relies heavily on a small number of donors, contributing between $300,000 to $400,000 annually.

The organization also mentioned their fundraising efforts, including a wine tasting event and an ongoing raffle, but expressed concerns about their limited capacity to raise additional funds. They stressed the need for continued support to maintain their services without raising fees for the families they serve.

Following this, Miguel Isalles Hernandez addressed the Council, raising concerns about public trust in the city's allocation of funds. He questioned whether community members could track the flow of public money and suggested the creation of an online portal for citizens to monitor budget allocations and spending by department. His comments underscored a desire for greater transparency in local government operations.

The meeting concluded with a call for the Council to consider these requests seriously, as they reflect broader community needs and concerns regarding fiscal accountability. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by local organizations and the importance of public trust in government financial practices.