Town officials in North Kingstown said they are coordinating local resources to help residents affected by a federal government shutdown and delays in SNAP benefits, while cautioning that using town surplus to fund federal programs would be a policy decision for the full council.

Town Manager Ralph (last name not specified) reminded the council that it had unanimously approved a resolution at the prior meeting to assist unpaid federal workers required to work without pay. He said state‑level coordination is in place and that the town will monitor the situation and work with the North Kingstown Food Pantry and other partners to help residents in need. Ralph said the town had a recent virtual meeting with the governor’s staff and noted that some SNAP payments were expected to go out to cover the first half of a month, though a second payment was not guaranteed at that time.

Ralph and Council President pro Tem Kim Page (who also leads the town food pantry) urged residents to support the food pantry and noted that financial contributions can be more effective than individual food donations because the pantry can purchase food at reduced rates.

Councilors asked about potential use of town surplus to cover shortfalls if community food resources are overwhelmed. Ralph said deploying town surplus to fund what are effectively federal programs is a “slippery slope” and that using surplus would be a council decision; he emphasized that the immediate emphasis was on coordinating with the food pantry, the food bank and faith‑based groups to meet demand.

The town manager also described operational adjustments at the food pantry: people can make appointments, but staff will provide prepackaged bags to residents in urgent need; the pantry’s produce day is each Thursday. A councilor asked whether “people will be fed”; Ralph answered the town and partners will “do the best we can.”

Details and contacts: Ralph encouraged residents who want to assist to contact the North Kingstown Food Pantry; the manager’s report noted that financial gifts allow the pantry to buy more food than direct donations at retail prices.