Resolution - SNAP — File 25-1655

A Resolution in Support of Direct Assistance for SNAP Recipients WHEREAS, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are at risk of being delayed due to the federal government shutdown; and WHEREAS, 1.1 million Massachusetts residents rely on SNAP benefits; and WHEREAS, One in three households in Massachusetts are food insecure and 24% of households have very low food security as of 2024; and WHEREAS, On October 31 of this year a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts issued an order finding that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) must use its SNAP contingency funds to fund SNAP during the shutdown; and WHEREAS, On November 4 of this year, Agriculture Secretary Rollins stated that the USDA is complying with the court’s order, but that there will be substantial delays in distributing benefits to recipients; and WHEREAS, Several states and cities, including: Delaware; Louisiana; Michigan; Rhode Island; Vermont; Virginia; Wisconsin; Washington D.C.; Birmingham, Alabama; and, San Francisco, California have announced plans to provide direct cash support to SNAP recipients; and WHEREAS, Massachusetts has an approximately $8.6 billion “rainy day” fund intended for use in an emergency; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT, RESOLVED, That the Somerville City Council urges Governor Healey and the Massachusetts Legislature to use all available resources to assist Massachusetts residents facing loss of food access due to the delay in SNAP benefits; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor’s Administration make every effort to provide information and assistance to Somerville residents whose SNAP benefits have been delayed.