The Canton Township Board of Trustees authorized up to $10,000 to establish and operate an emergency community food assistance program in the basement of the Canton Administration Building.

The motion—moved and supported during the Nov. 18 meeting—directs the township to use contingency funds and create purchase orders as needed; any unspent funds will revert to the general fund at year-end. Trustees said the action responds to immediate demand after a federal SNAP disruption and noted the township's partners and volunteers are already meeting urgent needs.

Trustees and staff described the response: the township has partnered with faith organizations and local groups (including faith-based partners named in the meeting), CERT volunteers and township employees have been supporting operations, and early distribution efforts had already helped dozens of families. Board members stressed there is no eligibility screening for the township pantry: families may "just show up," the board said, and staff pointed to other county-run monthly programs that remain part of the broader safety net.

Why it matters: Trustees framed the appropriation as a short-term, locally managed bridge to ensure residents have access to food during program disruption. The board asked staff to coordinate donations, volunteer support, and communications for access and hours.

The motion passed by voice vote. Trustees indicated the board will reassess the program at the end of the month to determine ongoing need and funding.