Governor Ferguson moves $2.2 million per week to support food banks ahead of federal SNAP cutoff

Federal food benefit funding to run out due to government shutdown

OLYMPIA - Governor Bob Ferguson today directed nearly $2.2 million per week to provide additional support to Washington's food banks in the wake of the Congressional Republicans' government shutdown. Beginning Nov.1, funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will end due to the continued federal government shutdown.

Nearly 1 million Washingtonians rely on the federal SNAP program, with approximately $37 million of federal funds going to households across Washington every week. Governor Ferguson is working with state agencies to mitigate some of the harms caused by the federal government shutdown. Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit today against the USDA, arguing the suspension of SNAP is unlawful.

Rural Washington will be hit particularly hard when federal SNAP benefits stop. In Yakima County, for example, 28 percent of residents rely on SNAP - the highest percentage of any county statewide.

When federal SNAP funding runs out, more Washingtonians are expected to turn to food banks and pantries. These community resources are also facing historic demand in the midst of rising food costs. Individuals should expect longer than usual wait times and limited resources.

"President Trump and Congressional Republicans have shut down the federal government," Governor Ferguson said. "As a result, Washingtonians are going to lose access to federal SNAP benefits. We're working to mitigate these harms until the Republican-controlled Congress gets the government running again. I'm grateful for the hard work of local food banks and pantries to help people keep food on the table. If you're able to support your local food bank, either with donations or volunteering, I encourage you to do so. We'll keep looking for innovative solutions at the state level. President Trump needs to tell his party to stop playing political games and do their jobs."

Governor Ferguson is directing the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to shift nearly $2.2 million per week in funding to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which provides grants directly to food banks. The first transfer will be made Nov. 3, if President Trump and Congressional Republicans do not reach a budget deal and legal efforts to protect federal SNAP are unsuccessful. The transfers will continue weekly until SNAP funding is restored.

The Washington Department of Social and Health Services administers the federal SNAP program. DSHS has information for SNAP recipients here.

Individuals looking for help, or to donate, should reach out to their local food bank. More help locating food resources is available on the Washington Department of Agriculture's website, or by calling 360-725-5640. You can also call 211, or visit Washington 211's website, for help locating additional resources.