Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin announced Thursday that he will ask the Birmingham City Council to approve $1 million in emergency funding to support families and individuals at risk of losing food assistance due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The proposed allocation would form part of a three-part citywide response to what Woodfin described as an unfolding food crisis, as nearly 23,000 Birmingham residents, roughly one in four households, stand to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits beginning Nov. 1.
“Birmingham will not sit around and let our children and families go hungry,” Woodfin said in a statement. “We are taking immediate action because we have a moral obligation to take care of the general welfare of our residents. Our focus is on getting help directly to the people who need it most – whatever it takes to keep folks fed and families whole.”
Under the mayor’s proposal, the city would partner with the United Way of Central Alabama to manage and distribute funds to households affected by the loss of federal assistance. United Way’s subsidiary partners would help distribute resources to reach those most in need.
The $1 million in city funding would help offset at least a portion of the lost benefits for November, with contributions to United Way remaining tax-deductible.
“This is a community-wide effort,” said Woodfin. “No single organization can meet the need alone, but together, we can make sure no one is left behind.”
Alongside the financial assistance, the city is launching a community food drive from Monday, Nov. 3, through Thursday, Nov. 6, to collect non-perishable goods for residents facing food insecurity.
“This isn’t about politics or power,” said Woodfin. “The food and nutrition of families and children should not be up for debate. It doesn’t matter their zip code or county, whether it’s urban or rural, Black or white — hungry people are hungry people.”
To coordinate efforts and connect residents with additional assistance, the city will also establish a Resource Clearinghouse, serving as an information hub for food distribution events and wraparound services.
The city’s emergency plan comes as Alabama faces mounting pressure from the loss of federal nutrition funding. SNAP, which serves more than 752,000 Alabamians, is fully funded through federal appropriations.
The state has said it lacks the resources to cover benefits during the shutdown. Woodfin, however, emphasized that cities must step in when federal systems fail.
“There are many things we can debate in government, but making sure our residents can eat should not be one of them,” said Woodfin.
Further details about food distribution for SNAP recipients in Birmingham will be released in the coming days. In the meantime, city leaders are urging residents, businesses and faith groups to step up.
“Everyone can play a part,” Woodfin said. “This is about taking care of our neighbors and making sure no one in Birmingham goes hungry.”
