WA directs state dollars to food banks as SNAP funding cliff nears

Washington state will provide food banks with $2. 2 million weekly as federal SNAP benefits face disruption due to the ongoing government shutdown. In May, over 905,000 residents received $167 million in SNAP benefits, highlighting the program's significance for food security. Governor Bob Ferguson called for community support for local food banks, which are already experiencing heightened demand. This funding is a response to the anticipated end of SNAP benefits, as the Trump administration announced it would stop funding the program despite available reserves.

Ferguson's directive follows a lawsuit filed by Democratic attorneys general and governors against the administration, seeking to compel SNAP payments in November. The U. S. Department of Agriculture's announcement contradicts earlier statements regarding the program's funding during the shutdown, which began on October 1. Washington’s separate nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has sufficient funding for most of November, thanks to tariff revenue.

Local food banks are preparing for broader cuts to SNAP as they brace for increased reliance from families in need.