Council discusses city‑targeted food assistance as SNAP benefits face interruption
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Summary
After national SNAP interruptions were reported, the finance committee discussed local options to help Medina residents, asked staff to consult Feeding Medina County, Salvation Army and local churches, and proposed a special meeting before Thanksgiving to finalize an approach.
Committee members raised immediate concerns about potential SNAP interruptions and local food insecurity and discussed short‑term options to target assistance to Medina residents.
The committee chair noted the federal program disruption and asked whether the city should set aside funds to buy food for residents. Multiple councilmembers and community partners described high local demand and rising grocery prices. One council member recounted a personal example of price increases and residents returning to work because benefits fell short.
Council discussed channels to deliver aid — Feeding Medina County, Salvation Army, local churches and school programs — and emphasized the need to restrict city dollars to Medina residents. A council member volunteered to contact Feeding Medina County and Salvation Army to determine whether those organizations can identify and serve city‑only recipients. Staff recommended convening a special council session before Thanksgiving to approve an implementation plan if partners can identify a workable, city‑targeted distribution approach.
No formal appropriation was approved at the meeting; council asked staff to return with options and implementation mechanics for a potential short‑term assistance plan.