Council hears urgency as SNAP interruption threatens food access; members urge 211 and partnership with food banks
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Summary
Committee members discussed the looming interruption of SNAP benefits and urged constituent outreach, coordination with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, and use of 211 to connect residents to emergency food resources. Council asked staff to share information and requested potential letters to state and federal officials.
Council members used the committee meeting Nov. 3 to highlight an imminent disruption to SNAP benefits and coordinate an emergency local response. Councilwoman House Jones said SNAP recipients would not receive benefits beginning the coming Saturday and urged residents to call 211, while asking colleagues to share updates on food‑bank capacity and to route private donations to expand local distribution.
Why it matters: Committee members noted federal workers also faced missed paychecks amid the shutdown and said demand for food assistance was increasing. Members praised the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and asked staff to maintain up‑to‑date listings of pantry hours and locations.
Key points: Council members said the city’s immediate practical response should be to publicize 211 as the first line for up‑to‑date resource information and to coordinate with the food bank and other providers. Members also discussed drafting letters to state and federal delegations and asked staff to propose language for a council resolution to press higher‑level officials to restore or supplement benefits.
Ending: Committee adjourned after instructing staff to continue coordination with hunger‑relief partners and to prepare communications the council can distribute to constituents.