2025-188 In support of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center’s North End food pantry

CITY OF NEWPORT

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL

No.2025-188

WHEREAS, access to nutritious food is a basic human necessity and essential to the health, well-being, and stability of individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, Newport’s City Council recognizes that many residents continue to experience economic hardship, food insecurity, and limited access to consistent food resources; and

WHEREAS, food pantries have been shown to be an effective and compassionate means of providing short-term relief while supporting residents in maintaining dignity and stability; and

WHEREAS, the Martin Luther King (MLK) Center has successfully provided non-perishable food items, frozen meat, fresh produce, bread, household, and personal care items to Newport residents in need; and

WHEREAS, there remains a demonstrated need to expand access to these services for residents living in the North End of Newport; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT

RESOLVED, that the City Administration is hereby directed to collaborate with the MLK Center to establish and operate a food pantry that will be located on the piece of land that is between the traffic garden and the Maher Center building on Hillside Avenue; AND BE

RESOLVED, that the City Administration shall coordinate with Bike Newport to ensure that the operation of the food pantry has minimal impact on the Traffic Garden located in the Maher Center parking lot.

STEPHANIE SMYTH
ELLEN PINNOCK
CHARLES HOLDER
LYNN UNDERWOOD CEGLIE
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
DECEMBER 10, 2025

Laura C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk