As the federal government shutdown stretches into November, the Birmingham City Council voted Tuesday to approve an emergency ordinance providing one-time food assistance to residents who have lost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
Under the measure, eligible individuals can receive up to $100 and families up to $200 in city-funded grocery assistance during November.
“This is an item of permanent operation,” the motion read, indicating the city could extend the program if the federal shutdown drags on.
City officials said roughly 23,000 to 24,000 Birmingham residents, nearly one in four households, receive SNAP benefits and stand to lose them as the federal government remains at an impasse over funding.
Woodfin’s plan, first announced late last week, divides the city’s response into three parts. Birmingham will employ direct financial aid for SNAP recipients, a large-scale community food drive and a partnership network providing “wraparound” services such as utility assistance and housing resources.
The United Way of Central Alabama will serve as fiscal agent for the $1 million allocation, handling distribution of city-issued gift cards to eligible residents who can provide proof of SNAP participation, identity and Birmingham residency. United Way will also partner with local nonprofits to distribute food to residents who may not meet SNAP requirements but still face hunger during the shutdown.
According to city documents, $90,000 of the $1.09 million allocation will cover administrative fees, including United Way’s $60,000 minimum charge and the $30,000 convenience fees for debit card issuance, to ensure that recipients are not charged processing costs.
But the council also grappled with what happens next, both if the federal shutdown continues and if it ends before December.
If the shutdown extends past November, the mayor’s office said the city intends to continue the assistance program by seeking new partnerships with corporations, churches and private donors.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin speaks at a press conference with Birmingham City Council members.
If the federal government restores SNAP funding before the month’s end, donations collected through the city’s initiative will not go to waste. The mayor’s office said it has already begun discussions with the United Way about either returning funds to donors or placing them into an emergency reserve to be used during future crises.
Council President Pro Tem LaTonya Tate and other members called on Birmingham’s philanthropic community to “match the mayor’s contribution” and ensure that families don’t go hungry. “This isn’t a political issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis,” said Tate.
United Way reported receiving $82,000 in contributions within days of launching the donation portal, including $50,000 from Shipt and $10,000 from United Way itself.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed that it will not use contingency funds to cover November benefits during the shutdown, and food banks nationwide are reporting steep increases in demand. In Birmingham, Community Kitchens said that the number of meals it provides each day has already doubled.
The ordinance passed unanimously. Council members and administration officials emphasized that Birmingham cannot replace the federal government’s role, but it can help bridge the gap.
“We can’t solve every problem,” said Councilman Darrell O’Quinn, “but where we can, we let people know we see what’s happening—and we’re willing to step in.”
“No child deserves to go to bed hungry,” said Councilman Darrell Alexander. “This city is showing what it means to be Birmingham ready.”
