Dalhart approves $15,000 to keep Snack Pack weekend meal bags running

Dalhart City Council voted to provide $15,000 from community development funds to Snack Pack for Kids to help sustain the program through the remainder of the year.

The award followed a presentation describing how the program assembles weekend food bags for at-risk students and how recent donor shortfalls left the program working toward a cash balance to cover orders. Mr. Burnham, identified in the meeting as a school representative connected to the Snack Pack program, described the program, the typical contents of a bag and the program’s current financial pressures.

Why it matters: Council members said the program serves local children who otherwise might lack weekend meals, and they described the city’s limited options to support social services. The council approved a one-time $15,000 allocation to help the program through the current budget year while organizers pursue additional fundraising.

During the presentation Mr. Burnham said Snack Pack supplies “about 9 to 11 items in those bags,” and that the program had aimed to maintain “around $5,500 a month for 9 months out of the year” and was operating at “over $40,000 a year.” He described orders as “anywhere from $2,500 to $3,500” and said the program uses donated funds designated for Dalhart through Snack Pack for Kids in Amarillo; local volunteers and school staff pack and distribute bags.

Council discussion focused on affordability and where the money would come from. A council member noted that deploying the full requested amount from the community development reserve “would deplete the fund pretty quick,” and others said the council could shift money within the budget to help. Another council member opposed large recurring commitments but supported a one-time allocation to avoid immediate program interruption.

A motion to grant $15,000 to Snack Pack for Kids for the remainder of the year carried on a voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion was moved, seconded and passed with “ayes” and no recorded opposition.

The council and presenters said Snack Pack’s operations are largely volunteer-supported, with teachers and student groups packaging bags and the district’s maintenance staff distributing deliveries. Mr. Burnham said the program avoids touching donated funds directly and works with regional suppliers who deliver product every other Monday.

Councilmembers offered additional informal support, saying they would assist with further fundraising if needed. The council directed that the one-time payment be made from available city funds; no specific account line-item or long-term funding commitment was adopted.

Looking ahead: Council members said they expect to revisit longer-term funding needs during the next budget cycle.