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Birmingham Council approves $1.09 million in one-time SNAP aid as federal shutdown delays benefits
Summary
The Birmingham City Council on Nov. 4 approved up to $1,090,000 to provide one-time supplemental SNAP assistance in November for city residents affected by the federal government shutdown.
The Birmingham City Council on Nov. 4 approved an ordinance authorizing up to $1,090,000 in city funds to provide one-time supplemental payments for residents eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the federal government shutdown.
The ordinance directs the mayor to contract for distribution in November 2025 and sets the supplemental allotment at up to $100 for an individual recipient and up to $200 for an eligible family. City administration said United Way of Central Alabama will be the fiscal agent and distribution partner, while Christian Service Mission will support a parallel food-drive distribution for residents who cannot document SNAP eligibility.
Why this matters: U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell told the council earlier in the meeting that the shutdown had already left thousands of Alabama households uncertain about benefits. “For so many, SNAP means the difference between a hot meal and going to bed hungry,” Sewell said, noting an estimated 23,000 SNAP recipients live in Birmingham. Her remarks framed the council’s decision to act locally while awaiting federal action.
How the local program will work: City staff said recipients will…
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