Mayor Passaro gave an extended report to the council Nov. 3 on the local response to the recent interruption of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

The mayor said city staff have been meeting with partners including the United Way, Gemma Moran Food Pantry, regional health districts and local nonprofits to organize food drives and to supplement pantry supplies. He reported that the state appropriation of $3 million to FoodShare resulted in a distribution of $163,150 to Gemma Moran Food Pantry and that the city is working to channel other donations to local distribution points.

Passaro warned that the total value of benefits on EBT cards statewide was on the order of tens of millions of dollars and that the state allocation and local donations will likely be only a partial mitigation if SNAP cards are not re‑funded soon. He said the city is preparing for an overstressed distribution network and will continue to coordinate volunteers and donations.

The mayor also described other city efforts: forming a Connecticut Main Street strategic planning task force for downtown revitalization, recognizing municipal employees for years of service, and legislative work preparing priorities for the next short session, including school funding and special education funding issues.

Passaro asked councilors and residents to assist with donation drives and to contact the mayor’s office or United Way for ways to help direct contributions to pantries serving New London households.

This account is a summary of the mayor’s remarks as read into the record at the council meeting.