Special to the Reporter

The city of Mercer Island’s Department of Youth and Family Services (YFS) recently implemented an emergency food card distribution program in response to cuts to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These cuts adversely impacted approximately 5% of Island residents, which includes those living at or below the federal poverty level and seniors on fixed incomes.

Over the course of several weeks in November and December, YFS distributed $28,200 in support to 127 Island households and 355 individuals. This effort was made possible through generous donations from both individuals and organizations, including a special $30,000 gift from the MIYFS Foundation.

“I am continually amazed by the generosity of Islanders when their neighbors are in need,” said YFS Administrator Derek Franklin.

Moving into 2026, YFS has paused the formal food card distribution program as federal food supports have stabilized. Remaining donations are being used to support ongoing food security efforts through YFS’s regular emergency assistance programming.

CITY COUNCIL NEWS

Mercer Island City Council will hold a special hybrid meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 16 for its annual planning session. The meeting will be held in the Mercer Island Community and Event Center Slater Room Council Chambers at 8236 SE 24th St. and via Zoom. Detailed instructions on how to join the meeting will be available at: https://tinyurl.com/ax8vr8sw