Washingtons food banks are on the brink

Washington's food banks prepare for intensified demand as 170,000 residents potentially lose food stamp benefits due to a new tax law enacted by President Trump. Many food banks are already stretched thin, grappling with inflation and dwindling donations that once supported their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The West Seattle Food Bank's development director reported a daily service range of 300 to 650 individuals, reflecting the escalating need for food assistance. Advocacy director Aaron Czyzewski likened the current situation to a pandemic crisis, emphasizing the lack of federal support. In April, more than 906,000 people in Washington utilized the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), receiving an average of just $6 per day.

The recent legislation imposes stricter work requirements, potentially disqualifying 137,000 residents from receiving benefits. Additionally, the law is expected to reduce average benefits for those who remain eligible by $56 monthly. The cuts to SNAP could lead to a nationwide reduction of $186 billion in nutrition program funding over the next decade.