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A resolution supporting the Mayor's Office and the Department of Social Services, in coordination and partnership between government, non-profits, and philanthropic organizations, to support local food banks in preparation for disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
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WHEREAS, ensuring food security is essential for all residents of Nashville and Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ("SNAP") program is a critical source of nutritional assistance for approximately 30,000 households of 60,000 low-income individuals in Davidson County; and
WHEREAS, reports indicate that as the federal government shutdown continues, the State of Tennessee has expressed an unwillingness to use the State's Reserve for Revenue Fluctuations ("Rainy Day Fund"), which currently holds more than $2 billion in taxpayer funds, to provide supplemental support for SNAP beneficiaries, an effort that is estimated to cost $145 million per month during the interruption of federal benefits; and
WHEREAS, given these circumstances, a prolonged disruption in SNAP benefits would pose serious risks of increased food insecurity, hardship for families, and higher demand on local charitable?food assistance providers; and
WHEREAS, local food banks and pantries serve as essential community-based partners in addressing hunger, but many currently operate with limited capacity and resources; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government's proactive local planning is essential to bolster the capacity of food banks, convene support networks, ensure equitable distribution, and mitigate the impact of any interruption in federal benefits.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby expresses support for the Mayor's Office as they coordinate and partner with Department of Social Services, local food banks, private businesses, ...
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