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Committee discusses using $50,000 in unassigned funds to replace SNAP benefits stolen from accounts
Summary
Committee members discussed a proposal to allocate $50,000 from unassigned funds to the Family Crisis Fund to provide immediate SNAP replacement support for households affected by benefit theft; no formal vote was taken and staff said council legal guidance would determine whether an ordinance is required.
Committee members discussed a proposal to direct $50,000 in unassigned nondepartmental funds to the Family Crisis Fund for use replacing SNAP benefits stolen from recipients' accounts, a problem officials described as sharply increasing food insecurity in Richmond.
Chairwoman Lynch recounted earlier committee work on SNAP theft and said staff saw a “63% increase in the volume of calls” to DSS representatives from families reporting benefit theft. Lynch said food pantries and faith‑based food ministries are struggling to meet need and framed a city allocation as an immediate, tangible support: giving families a gift card at the time they seek help from DSS rather than only a referral list.
Staff noted $50,000 exists in unallocated funds that became effective July 1 in the new fiscal year. Council members expressed support for using those funds to help families; Council member Bridal called the idea “a great idea” and said the funding aligns with the original intent of the budget line. Committee members asked council counsel whether a formal ordinance or resolution would be required to reassign the funds; staff said they would work with counsel to determine the legal process.
No formal motion or committee vote was recorded on the allocation at the committee meeting; staff listed moving the proposal to full committee and pursuing the appropriate legal path as an action item. Committee members emphasized urgency and asked staff to move quickly because “people are really struggling out in the community.”
