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Whitefish council proclaims support for North Valley Food Bank as SNAP funding uncertainty looms
Summary
The Whitefish City Council issued a proclamation backing the North Valley Food Bank and encouraging donations after the U.S. Department of Agriculture said SNAP payments could be delayed beginning Nov. 1 amid a federal funding lapse; council members also pledged local support and launched a City Hall donation drive.
The Whitefish City Council on Nov. 3 issued a proclamation recognizing food security as a core community value and pledged support for the North Valley Food Bank as federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments face delays.
Deputy mayor Frank Sweeney read the proclamation declaring the council’s support for the food bank and urging residents and visitors to donate time, money or food. The proclamation cited the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement that SNAP payments could be frozen starting Nov. 1 because of a government shutdown, and said the program serves about one in eight Americans, including roughly 77,000 Montanans.
Sophie Albert, who introduced herself as executive director of the North Valley Food Bank, thanked the council for its action and said the organization anticipates seeing more than 500 community members in the coming weeks as need rises. “If you know anyone in our city who is experiencing food insecurity, everyone is welcome at North Valley Food Bank,” Albert said during the public-comment period.
Councilmember Rebecca said the food bank was launching a $500,000 year-end fundraising campaign to cover projected shortfalls if SNAP is not fully funded and asked staff how donated food and funds brought to City Hall would be collected and transferred to the food bank. Councilmembers reported placing a donation box near the City Hall entrance and said they will include an invitation to bring donations on public meeting agendas through the end of the year.
The proclamation does not create new city expenditures; it expresses council support and encourages donations. The council did not adopt binding policy changes at the meeting.
The council adjourned after routine business; the city and North Valley Food Bank said they will continue outreach and coordination in the coming weeks.
