There was a huge outpouring of generosity among Delaware County residents when more than 600 cars lined up Saturday to donate food to local food shelters, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.
Delaware County held a community food drive at the Don Guanella property in response to SNAP benefits being halted.
Meanwhile, Delaware County Council unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday evening declaring an emergency disaster in response to delays in state and federal funding.
The resolution allows $200,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds to be allocated to the Share Food Program to support food purchases and distribution to local food pantries.
It lets the county move money that’s been federally designated, explained county Solicitor Lee Awbrey.
While there is an agreement to end the federal government shutdown and a new state budget deal, it will take time for that money to reach the county.
“It’s not an issue that can wait two weeks or three weeks until the money starts flowing from the state government to us or to their SNAP card if it’s coming from the federal government,” said Councilmember Christine Reuther.
More than 70,000 residents are affected by the SNAP fund delay.
Read more about the food drive and emergency declaration in the Daily Times.
