City Council Approves ‘Emergency’ Food Bank Donation After SNAP Benefits Stall

The Dallas City Council approved a $1 million donation to the North Texas Food Bank on Wednesday afternoon in response to the federal government shutdown, which has stalled the distribution of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for millions of Texans who rely on the aid to put food on the table. 

The deal was a joint agreement between the city and Dallas County, which saw both entities contribute $1 million to the North Texas Food Bank’s “emergency food distribution programming.” The money will be disbursed through February, and the Dallas chief financial officer informed council members that the funds were drawn from interest earned on the American Rescue Plan Redevelopment Fund, paid for by federal grants, and will not be sourced from any other city department. 

Some Texans began receiving partial SNAP benefits on Monday, more than a week later than they’d usually receive the credits that can be used to purchase groceries. Most enrollees have received just 65% of their usual allotment, the Texas Tribune reports, but the legal back-and-forth over the program’s pause has left many beneficiaries wondering if their assistance will be issued or, if already issued, revoked. 

The North Texas Food Bank requested the city funding in response to the elevated demand caused by the shutdown, and several council members stated that the assistance felt especially critical given the time of year. 

“I think many of us take for granted the privilege we have to have food on our tables during the holidays,” said council member Adam Bazaldua. “I’m more confused than anything on why we would even consider not passing this or delaying this. Delaying this would prevent food from being on the table.”

Council member Cara Mendelsohn asked city staff whether a donation to the food bank would be appropriate as the expected end of the government shutdown looms. The House gathered to vote to end the shutdown at the same moment the council debated on Wednesday evening. 

Mendelsohn suggested delaying the funding’s approval for a week to see whether the shutdown would end. City staff members said that demand at food banks typically escalates around the holidays, meaning the North Texas Food Bank would have been in need of help even if the shutdown hadn’t occurred. Even with the shutdown ending, they added, it could take days for SNAP benefits to be fully reinstated, causing a “huge strain” for North Texas families.

Still, Mendelsohn questioned whether the spending would be in line with the city’s needs if the shutdown were to end.  

“I would wonder if that million dollars shouldn’t go towards a whole host of other things that we may be facing,” Mendelsohn said. “I don’t know, there might be some repairs at City Hall. … I think this is a very important service that North Texas Food Bank provides, and I hate that I’m even saying this in some ways, but we have to say that because it is our job to be very conscious and fiscally prudent with our tax dollars.” 

Council member Bill Roth appeared to agree with Mendelsohn’s suggestion to delay the vote at first, but later changed his mind and voted to approve the funding. Council member Zarin Gracey said he would have “been inclined to agree” with Mendelsohn’s hesitancy “If this was any other time of year.” 

According to the meal packaging organization Meals of Hope, food insecurity tends to peak in November and December as families face increased financial pressures — purchasing Christmas gifts, higher utility bills and the need for child care during school breaks — and as school closures eliminate meal access for low income children. 

West Dallas representative Laura Cadena said her office has called food assistance organizations located in her district and have heard stories of immense need. One organization, Brother Bills Helping Hand, reported a 30% increase in demand as federal workers were furloughed, Cadena said. 

“The need is definitely great, and we do have many people that are stepping up to donate to our community but we need to do our part,” Cadena said.