Council Members Call for the Restoration of Food Programs

Spokane City Council Member Shelby Lambdin will propose a resolution at the Finance and Administration Committee Meeting on November 3 to restore community support programs, including SNAP. This initiative addresses the fallout from the recent government shutdown, which has severely impacted food assistance for vulnerable populations. Lambdin stated that the community must unite to ensure no one goes hungry, reinforcing the importance of local nonprofits in this effort. Co-sponsor Council Member Paul Dillon stressed that the issue transcends mere numbers, affecting families' ability to afford food. The resolution also seeks to support Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown in his lawsuit against the USDA, which is accused of improperly suspending SNAP benefits despite sufficient funding.

Furthermore, it calls on the Mayor to enhance community resource visibility and urges federal representatives to act swiftly to restore government operations. This resolution represents a critical step toward addressing immediate food insecurity, especially with the holiday season approaching. Local leaders aim to mobilize community action to restore vital support systems.