Spokane County commissioners agreed in principle Nov. 10 to move forward with a limited, one‑time county contribution to area food banks and to coordinate that support with Second Harvest and local partners.

Justin Schopp and Scott (Housing & Community Development staff) told the board staff had identified roughly $50,000 in nonrestricted performance awards that could be reallocated and recommended matching those funds from local recording‑fee reserves to create a larger pool. “We saw it in legal to do a final review to make sure there isn’t any clawback,” Scott said, noting the awards are generally nonrestricted and the county’s review did not identify a prohibition on redirecting them for immediate food assistance.

Commissioner Michelle Waldorf, who said she had visited Second Harvest, urged a one‑time contribution and recommended asking cities and community partners to match the county’s support. “They have the best bang for the buck,” Waldorf said, describing Second Harvest as a distributor that can stretch dollars and get supplies to outlying pantries across the county.

Staff said they would finalize the program design, confirm whether local recording fees can be used to match the funds and contact Second Harvest this week; communications staff already have a draft press release ready. Commissioners indicated willingness to move up to $100,000 for food assistance if legal and program reviews confirm there are no restrictions on the identified funds.

The board asked staff to return with a final recommendation and a partner‑matching plan once George (county operations) connects with Second Harvest. The county intends to limit the use of funds to food purchases and distribution logistics rather than direct cash transfers to partner agencies.