Governor Ferguson statement on court orders requiring Trump Administration to pay SNAP benefits

OLYMPIA - Governor Bob Ferguson provided the following statement on multiple court orders requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide funding to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

"Multiple judges have made it clear: The Trump Administration must stop holding hungry families hostage," Governor Ferguson said. "The USDA has funds to provide these food benefits, and the Trump Administration needs to follow the law and do so."

Washington state is working to digest the court rulings and get benefits flowing as soon as possible.

Earlier this week, Governor Ferguson 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. If SNAP funds are not restored on Nov. 1, Washington will proceed with that payment.

Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit against the USDAin Massachusetts, arguing the suspension of SNAP is unlawful. The judge in that case, and another in separate case in Rhode Island, issued orders today finding that USDA must use contingency funds to pay November SNAP benefits. The Massachusetts judge instructed USDA to update the court by Monday about its progress, and whether it will pay full or partial benefits. The Rhode Island judge ordered USDA to distribute contingency funds and report to the court on Monday regarding the status of the distribution.

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

More Washingtonians are turning to food banks and pantries for support. 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.

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.