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Spokane council urges restoration of federal funding for low‑income food programs

Spokane City Council · November 4, 2025
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Summary

The Spokane City Council voted unanimously Oct. 28 to urge federal lawmakers to restore funding for low‑income food programs, adopting Resolution 2025‑0105 amid concerns about SNAP disruptions.

The Spokane City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2025‑0105 on Oct. 28, urging federal legislators to restore funding for low‑income food assistance programs affected by a federal funding disruption.

The resolution, sponsored by Council member Lambdin, asks Congress to act to protect SNAP and similar programs so that children, veterans, seniors and disabled residents continue to receive benefits. "Hunger and food insecurity should never be weaponized in political games," Lambdin said during council commentary, adding the resolution is a modest, local expression of support and calls on federal representatives to reach across the aisle.

Public testimony was mixed. Will Hewlings told the council he opposed the resolution and called it "political theater," arguing that both parties share blame and citing observed misuse of benefits downtown. Other speakers, including Derek Cazaro, James Gant, Larry Andrews and several council members, said SNAP is a lifeline. "Most of this is going to folks that are children or taking care of children, veterans, disabled veterans," Council member Klitsky said, describing personal experience with SNAP benefits while serving in AmeriCorps.

Council members noted local mutual‑aid efforts and business donations to food banks and encouraged residents to support area pantries. Several council members referenced local restaurants and organizations offering pay‑it‑forward or free meals as short‑term mitigation while urging federal action.

Council voted 7‑0 to adopt the resolution. Council members said the action signals city concern about rising food insecurity and asks Spokane’s federal delegation to restore program funding promptly.