Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Food Insecurity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lake Oswego staff outline options to help residents hit by SNAP benefit disruption
Summary
City staff proposed directing roughly $20,000 in unallocated municipal grant funds to local pantry Hunger Fighters Oregon, expanding Meals on Wheels support, and using existing utility-billing assistance programs to help residents affected by SNAP benefit interruptions. Council asked for more localized data and favored outreach and further review.
Assistant City Manager Megan Phelan told the Lake Oswego City Council on Tuesday that staff has prepared a menu of options to help residents affected by temporary interruptions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. The options include using existing utility-billing assistance programs, reallocating unspent municipal grant funds, increasing Meals on Wheels support and launching a community awareness campaign.
The council heard that the city already runs two billing-assistance programs: an income-qualified program for customers at or below 60% of the state median income that reduces monthly water, sewer, surface-water and street-maintenance fees by 50% (37 participants currently), and a temporary hardship program administered by St. Vincent de Paul that can provide up to $200 per month for two months per year. Phelan said the municipal grant cycle left about $20,000 unallocated and recommended the council consider awarding that balance directly to Hunger Fighters Oregon, a local food pantry, and starting a community campaign in November.
“Council may recall that back in October you approved resolution 25-48, which awarded grants from the general fund to local nonprofit and community groups,” Phelan said, summarizing the staff report and funding context. She noted Meals on Wheels currently provides one meal a day and that with additional city funding the program could add meals at an estimated cost of about $8.50 per meal.
Councilors asked for localized data. Councilor Cortez, citing Oregon Public Broadcasting, said "1 in 6 Oregonians use the SNAP benefits" and asked whether Lake Oswego’s share is comparable. Phelan replied that county-level numbers are available — "just over 49,000 people that receive SNAP in Clackamas County" — but staff did not have a city-specific breakdown on hand and offered to return with more precise figures.
Council members also raised practical questions about access to existing assistance. Several asked whether the city website could feature clearer links to utility-billing assistance and other services so residents would not have to search for particular program names. Phelan said staff would work with the utility-billing director to improve online accessibility and that city staff also regularly counsel customers who call with payment problems.
No formal allocation was made Tuesday; staff recommended returning with an amended grant resolution if the council decides to proceed with a direct allocation to the food pantry. Phelan said staff could return next year if further review is needed.
Looking ahead, councilors signaled support for outreach and for holding some funds in reserve if circumstances change. The council did not take a final vote on allocation during the meeting.
