Chattanooga council approves $200,000 for food bank, delays utility disconnects and urges EPB to assist customers

Chattanooga City Council on Nov. 18 voted to provide $200,000 from the city’s contingency fund to the Chattanooga Area Food Bank to help restock pantries after a temporary federal SNAP disruption and to provide interim hunger relief in the region.

The action: City administration representative Kevin told council the proposed contribution would be drawn from the city’s contingency fund and that “the funding is available.” Melissa, representing the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, said local pantries saw a surge in demand during the SNAP interruption: “we saw almost overnight a 50% increase in request for food assistance,” she said, and described Foxwood food pantry serving 4,319 households in the first 15 days of the disruption (compared with 3,100 the prior year in that same period).

Utility disconnects: Council also amended and approved a separate resolution addressing water shutoffs tied to unpaid sewer fees, replacing language that had tied a pause to a federal SNAP funding trigger with a fixed date. The amended resolution directs the city to suspend water shutoffs until Jan. 15, 2026, giving households extra time to recover during the holiday season and early winter months.

EPB urging: The council approved a resolution urging EPB (the local electric utility) to implement customer‑support measures — including expanded payment plans, flexible fee policies, and proactive outreach — during the transition period following the SNAP disruption. Councilmembers said the action is an urging rather than a direct operational directive; EPB is governed by its own board and operational officials.

Council tone and next steps: Several council members praised the food‑assistance organizations and supported rapid action. Staff said contingency funding would leave the contingency account with remaining balance for the fiscal year; council asked staff to provide any needed follow up on program eligibility, reporting, and how the money will be spent by the food bank. The council’s resolutions pass by voice vote and will be implemented administratively by the mayor’s office and relevant departments.

Quote: Melissa, Chattanooga Area Food Bank, said, “we saw almost overnight a 50% increase in request for food assistance,” describing increased use at Foxwood and faith‑based pantries. Kevin (city administration) told council the $200,000 “is coming from contingency.”

What to watch: Council asked for staff follow‑up on how the funds will be allocated and for continued coordination with nonprofit partners and EPB as households transition back to scheduled SNAP benefits.