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Council discusses local preparations if federal SNAP benefits are disrupted; asks staff about Portsmouth Cares and utility deferral signups

Portsmouth City Council · October 29, 2025

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Summary

Councilors discussed preparations Oct. 28 for a possible federal disruption to SNAP benefits and asked staff about posting local resources and enabling an online utility‑bill deferral sign‑up.

Councilors used their reports period Oct. 28 to discuss the potential local effects of a federal government disruption that could affect SNAP benefit distribution.

Councilwoman Thomas said council received an impact assessment citing roughly 22,000 Portsmouth residents who could be affected and asked for a public rollout date for local resources and a Portsmouth webpage to list food‑bank and assistance options. Dr. Coleman said guidance from the governor had been issued that would cover the first SNAP cycle in November but that if the disruption continued into December additional local measures would be considered.

Councilman Hugo asked staff about an online sign‑up for utility‑bill deferrals similar to measures used during the COVID‑19 pandemic; he said the city manager had indicated an online sign‑up would be developed so residents could apply for deferred payments rather than relying on blanket deferrals. Dr. Coleman and staff committed to follow up with specific timelines and to share that information with council.