Milwaukee County’s Committee on Finance on Friday recommended adoption of a $150,000 appropriation transfer to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) intended to provide emergency supplemental food assistance after reductions in SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown.

The resolution, introduced by Chairwoman Nicholson Bovell, authorizes a transfer from agency 01/1945 (contingencies) to agency 800 (DHHS) so DHHS can “work with trusted partners to purchase and distribute fresh, healthy food to those who need it most.” The committee approved the motion by roll call, 7 ayes, 0 no's.

Why it matters: County leaders said the allocation is meant to bridge gaps through the holidays for households most affected by SNAP reductions and to provide immediate relief while longer-term responses are developed. The resolution directs that agreements include targeted outreach to neighborhoods with limited grocery access and gives DHHS authority to return in December if available resources prove insufficient.

Key details: The resolution specifies a $150,000 transfer from the contingency appropriation (agency 01/1945) to DHHS (agency 800) for emergency supplemental food assistance in response to SNAP reductions during the federal government shutdown. The motion to recommend adoption was made on the floor by Supervisor O'Connor; the roll-call vote on the motion recorded seven ayes and zero no votes.

Public testimony and local conditions: Melody McCurtis, deputy director of Metcalfe Park Community Bridges, told the committee that Metcalfe Park lost its only grocery store and pharmacy in July and that many residents face significant travel barriers to reach full-service groceries. McCurtis said more than half of neighborhood residents have lost SNAP benefits and urged that a portion of the emergency allocation be directed to Metcalfe Park and similar neighborhoods and that county staff partner with community-led distribution networks.

What the county directed: The committee recommendation authorizes DHHS to deploy the emergency funds through agreements with community partners and to perform targeted outreach in neighborhoods with limited grocery access. The resolution also allows DHHS to report back to the committee in December if further resources are needed.

Next steps: The committee recommended the resolution for adoption; the committee’s action forwards the matter per the county’s legislative process for final consideration as provided by county rules.