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

Washington state will allocate $2. 2 million weekly to food banks as federal financing for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is threatened by the ongoing government shutdown. In May, over 905,000 residents relied on SNAP, receiving a total of $167 million in benefits, underscoring the program's importance for food security. Governor Bob Ferguson instructed the Department of Social and Health Services to provide these funds to the Department of Agriculture for food bank support. He encouraged residents to contribute to their local food banks through donations or volunteering, emphasizing community engagement in times of crisis.

This decision aligns with a lawsuit filed by Democratic attorneys general and governors, including Washington's Nick Brown, against the Trump administration for its failure to fund SNAP in November. The U. S. Department of Agriculture's announcement contradicts previous assurances regarding the continuation of SNAP benefits during the shutdown. As food banks brace for the impact of potential cuts, they are already experiencing heightened demand.

Washington's Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program has sufficient funding for most of November, thanks to tariff revenue.