Ferguson, Larsen serve free lunch in Lynnwood, highlighting food aid crisis

Gov. Bob Ferguson and U. S. Rep. Rick Larsen served free lunches to over 100 children at Lynnwood Elementary School, spotlighting the crisis in food assistance due to federal cuts.

They criticized the Trump Administration's approach to SNAP, which puts 137,000 Washington residents at risk of losing benefits. The Lynnwood Food Bank has seen demand quadruple since 2019, with Executive Director Alissa Jones stating the organization is at capacity and stretched thin. Ferguson noted that cuts to safety net programs harm vulnerable populations and the economy. Larsen pointed out the $1. 5 billion in funding canceled for schools and food banks, which hinders their ability to meet rising demand.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture forecasts a 26% reduction in food supplies from the Emergency Food Assistance Program. Despite a $16 billion budget gap, both officials committed to advocating for universal free lunch legislation statewide. They emphasized that food security should not be a choice for families struggling to make ends meet.