The City of Akron Budget & Finance Committee on Wednesday approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor or his designee to provide funds not to exceed $100,000 to the Akron‑Canton Regional Food Bank to assist residents impacted by a disruption to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Emma Lieberth presented the measure as a joint proposal from Mayor Malik and Council President Margo Somerville, advanced at the request of Summit County Executive Eileen Shapiro. Katie Carver Reid, vice president and chief operating officer of the Akron‑Canton Regional Food Bank, told the committee the local charitable food system is seeing unprecedented demand. "More than 51,000 people in the city of Akron have not received their benefits," she said, and the food bank is scaling purchases and distribution to compensate for the interruption.

Officials said the city’s contribution would be used for immediate food purchases and distribution through partner pantries. Committee discussion clarified the funding is written as an amount "not to exceed $100,000," with city staff and presenters explaining the funds could be disbursed in two payments — $50,000 initially and a second $50,000 if needed — and would be reevaluated depending on whether SNAP benefits are restored. Councilmembers asked how long the funds would last; the food bank said the money might cover a matter of weeks but that timing depends on donations and county/federal action.

Councilwoman Linda Mobian noted a report that Akron accounts for more than 70% of SNAP recipients in Summit County. Councilmember Bush Bolton asked where the money would come from; staff said funds would be taken from an existing JED fund line item for grant disbursements and does not require a formal budget adjustment at this time. The committee approved the ordinance under suspension of the rules by voice vote.

The ordinance was advanced for emergency processing so the food bank can use city resources quickly while SNAP distribution is corrected.