Woodburn council authorizes one‑time food and utility aid as SNAP distribution falters

The Woodburn City Council voted to authorize the city manager to use existing budget flexibility to provide one‑time emergency support after officials described recent interruptions and legal uncertainty in SNAP benefit distribution.

City Manager (speaker 9) told the council that 5,059 Woodburn households receive SNAP benefits—about 16,000 people by his estimate—and said the situation on benefits distribution amounted to “a hunger crisis.” He said the city had secured a $417,000 state block grant to the Aware Food Bank and proposed additional, one‑time city contributions: $20,000 to increase Love Santa food box contents, $5,000 to bolster the Lutheran Church food program, and $10,000 to add to Love Inc.’s utility assistance (including raising the maximum per‑family utility benefit from $300 to $500).

Mayor (speaker 1) moved to authorize the actions and the council approved the motion. The manager said the proposed payments would be implemented under the parameters of the existing budget and staff would work with nonprofit partners to distribute funds.

Councilors stressed urgency and the need for clearer public communication. Councilor Wilk (speaker 6) urged the city to “better reflect to them the steps that we can take and what we are doing,” pressing for a forum or work session to turn community suggestions into action. The manager said additional outreach, coordination with nonprofit partners and legal guidance would follow.

Next steps: staff will work with the named nonprofits and report back with implementation details and any required administrative adjustments.