Washington County’s Community Action quarterly report, presented July 30 to the Health and Human Services Committee, showed mixed food‑pantry usage trends and robust senior transportation service while flagging a potential federal funding threat to the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) that supports emergency services.

The county’s contracted food‑pantry operator told the committee that monthly pantry household counts dipped in several months compared with the previous year but that the pantry continues to see many new households. The presenter said the majority of households served fall at 0–74% and 75–125% of federal poverty guidelines; CSBG-funded aid requires households be at or below 200% of federal poverty level but the pantry does not turn people away. The presenter said gleaning donations from a regional food bank have decreased and that the program has been working to increase donated food from other retailers to offset purchases.

On transportation, the county’s senior transportation contract showed steady usage and 140 clients served in the quarter; staff praised the drivers and noted the program’s role in connecting clients to medical appointments and community events.

The presenter warned the committee about a broader risk: the federal fiscal 2026 discretionary budget proposal circulating in Congress would, if passed as proposed, eliminate CSBG and Community Action funding. The presenter said that lobbyists expect a continuing resolution will likely hold funding at 2024 levels but that the outcome is uncertain. “If that happens again, we'll still be funded at 2024 levels,” the presenter said, adding that the county is creating contingency plans to maintain programs if federal funding is reduced or eliminated.

Committee members asked for additional data as the county transitions to a new data-management system and requested follow-up in October when federal budget decisions should be clearer.

Ending: Staff will return with richer trend analysis after the new data system stabilizes and will update the committee in October on any impacts from federal budget actions.