Kirkland City Council on Nov. 5 approved a $100,000 fiscal note to create an emergency food rapid‑response fund in the event of interruptions to federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The move followed staff warnings that an ongoing federal lapse could increase near‑term demand on local food providers.

City Manager Kurt and Financial Planning Manager Kevin Pellstring told council the money would be drawn from the city’s unallocated general‑fund balance and distributed as grants to local human‑service organizations that already provide food assistance, not as direct city provision. The council also adopted a short emergency resolution directing city staff to prepare for quick response while the federal situation remains unsettled.

Why this matters: SNAP interruptions are a federal issue but have immediate local consequences. The city framed the $100,000 fund as a temporary, nimble resource intended to shore up providers — for example, awarding small supplemental grants to organizations such as Hopelink — while longer funding solutions are pursued.

Details: Pellstring said the proposed $100,000 would come from the city’s unallocated general fund balance. Staff explained that the city’s target working capital is roughly $850,000; after the fiscal‑note allocation, the unallocated balance would be markedly reduced. Council members sought assurances that funds would serve Kirkland residents; staff proposed awarding grants to organizations that already track client residency and meet performance measures. The city’s human‑services staff noted internal monitoring and reporting practices already used for prior grant rounds, and said the city could require recipients to document the share of aid that reached Kirkland residents.

Public process and council direction: Council voted 7–0 to adopt the emergency resolution (R‑5700) and to approve the fiscal note. Members asked staff to coordinate with regional partners, including community foundations and neighboring jurisdictions, to reduce duplication and improve outreach during an uncertain November period. Council also asked for rapid reporting back to the full council about how funds were spent and what additional needs emerged.

What the actions mean: The approved fiscal note authorizes staff to use the designated funds if needed; the emergency proclamation provides administrative flexibility for a swift response. Council emphasized that the allocation was intended as a stopgap and that larger, sustained solutions would require coordination with county and regional partners.

Votes at a glance: The council approved the emergency proclamation (R‑5700) and the $100,000 fiscal note to support local food providers; both measures passed on voice vote, recorded 7–0.