A Key West commissioner wants the city to allocate $40,000 to Key West food pantries “in response to the ongoing government shutdown and the sharp increase in food insecurity in our community,” Kaufman wrote in an email to the city clerk’s office asking that a resolution be placed on the Dec. 2 commission agenda.
“I would like to request assistance in placing a resolution on the agenda for the Dec. 2 city commission meeting to direct $40,000 in city funds to support local food pantry programs,” Kaufman wrote on Nov. 11.
“Recent updates from our local nonprofit partners underscore the urgency. The Loaves and Fish Food Pantry has reported a 30% increase in clients, with many being new families seeking assistance for the first time. Their operating costs have risen approximately $5,000 per month, meaning that even modest city support could make a tremendous difference through the holidays and beyond.
“In addition to the Loaves and Fish Pantry, other local partners such as Cooking with Love (Joan Higgs), Star of the Sea Foundation (Morgan Tracey-Barber), and the Bahama Village Little Food Pantry (Kevin Price) are also facing growing demand.”
“The proposed resolution would allocate emergency relief funds to bolster these organizations’ efforts and ensure that our residents have consistent access to food during this challenging time.
“I think that the city should ask the county to match these funds as well.
“Please let me know the next steps for drafting and placing this item on the agenda, and if the city attorney’s office can assist with preparing the resolution language. I am happy to provide background materials or meet to discuss.
“Thank you for your consideration and your continued commitment to serving our community.”
