The Whitefish City Council on Nov. 3 proclaimed support for the North Valley Food Bank and urged residents to donate as the council cited federal announcements that SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments could be paused beginning Nov. 1 amid a federal funding dispute.

Deputy Mayor Frank Sweeney read the proclamation, which said SNAP serves about one in eight Americans and roughly 77,000 Montanans and warned that delayed benefits could leave many households uncertain about how they would feed themselves. The proclamation noted the North Valley Food Bank serves about 1,200 to 1,500 people per week and that the food bank projected a possible 200% rise in need if SNAP is not fully funded.

The council pledged to "assist the North Valley Food Bank in whatever fashion it can" and to encourage residents and visitors to contribute time, money or food. Council members said they will post an invitation to bring donations on every public meeting agenda through the end of the year or for as long as necessary. Sophie Albert, identified during public comment as executive director of the North Valley Food Bank, thanked the council and said the food bank expects to see "more than 500 community members" in the coming weeks and that anyone in need is welcome regardless of ZIP code.

The proclamation is an official city statement of support rather than a binding funding commitment. Councilmembers and staff described local donation boxes already placed near City Hall and encouraged monetary as well as food contributions. Council members repeatedly framed the action as an immediate community response to federal uncertainty and said they would continue to monitor needs and referrals to the food bank.