By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
As part of an extensive plan to assist elders, children, and families, Birmingham Mayor Randall L. Woodfin on Thursday asked the City Council to commit $1 million to support households at risk of losing November SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown.
Woodfin spoke during a City Hall press conference, flanked by City Councilors including President Wardine Alexander; Drew Langloh, President of the United Way of Central Alabama; faith leaders; non-profit executives; and others.
“We are taking immediate action because we have a moral obligation to take care of the general welfare of our residents,” Woodfin said. “Our focus is on getting help directly to the people who need it most—whatever it takes to keep folks fed and families whole.”
Nearly 23,000 Birmingham households—one in four—rely on SNAP to keep food on the table, Woodfin noted. “On Nov. 1, those families could wake up with nothing because Washington shut the government down.”
Unless the federal government shutdown is ended, benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will cease. SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, serving nearly 42 million people nationwide.
The mayor’s comprehensive three-part plan to help families that could lose benefits includes:
1. **Securing Funding:** Mayor Woodfin will ask the council on Tuesday to commit $1 million to provide supplemental nutrition assistance for the month of November, aiming to replace at least a portion of lost benefits for Birmingham households affected by the shutdown.
2. **Community Food Drive:** Launching a food drive from Monday, Nov. 3, through Thursday, Nov. 6, at Christian Service Mission, 3600 3rd Ave. South. Drop-off hours will be 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. **Connecting Residents to Services:** Coordinating with local partners to serve as an information hub, helping residents access additional wraparound services and assistance programs during this period.
Residents can monitor updates at [birminghamal.gov/bhamready](https://www.birminghamal.gov/bhamready).
“At its core, we all believe the role of the government is simple: to protect and care for its people,” said Council President Wardine Alexander. “When federal leadership cannot ensure these programs are fully funded, it falls on us at the local level to take up that responsibility.”
Tracy Hipps, Executive Director of Christian Service Mission, emphasized community involvement. “The greatest commandment that we can live out is to love our neighbor,” he said. “If you have a neighbor in need, help them. Don’t wait on the city, don’t wait on anybody else—you help them. That’s our responsibility. Live out the gospel every day.”
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the response effort are encouraged to email **BHAMready@birminghamal.gov**. Messages should include the sender’s name, organization, phone number, and any commitments or questions. City staff will respond promptly.
For more information and updates regarding this initiative, visit [www.birminghamal.gov/bhamready](https://www.birminghamal.gov/bhamready). For up-to-the-minute non-emergency updates, text **BHAMREADY** to **38276**.
https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2025/10/woodfin-birmingham-has-moral-obligation-to-assist-those-who-lose-snap-benefits/
