Washingtons food banks are on the brink

Washington's food bank system faces looming challenges as around 170,000 residents could lose food stamp benefits due to new work requirements in President Trump's tax cut law. Food banks have already been strained by high demand and dwindling resources, depleting reserves built during the pandemic. Advocacy director Aaron Czyzewski warns that the situation mirrors another pandemic, but without federal assistance. The new law expands work requirements for food stamp eligibility, impacting vulnerable groups such as veterans and former foster youth. In April, Washington had over 906,000 SNAP enrollees, with benefits averaging about $6 per day.

The West Seattle Food Bank has altered its food offerings to cope with funding cuts, providing cheaper protein options. Rural food banks are also facing challenges, as increased demand forces them to limit food distribution. Cecilia Chavez from the Toppenish Community Chest notes that families will have to seek food across multiple locations to meet their needs.