OLYMPIA, Wash. — Gov. Bob Ferguson on Tuesday announced he is directing nearly $2.2 million per week to help Washington food banks as the federal government shutdown continues, cutting off funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beginning Nov. 1.
Nearly 1 million Washington residents rely on SNAP, which provides about $37 million in federal funds to households across the state each week, according to the state. The loss of those benefits is expected to drive more people to food banks and pantries.
“President Trump and Congressional Republicans have shut down the federal government,” 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.”
Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, arguing that suspending SNAP benefits during the shutdown is unlawful.
Rural areas are expected to face the biggest challenges amid SNAP funding expiring. In Yakima County, 28% of residents depend on SNAP, according to the state. This is the highest share of any county in Washington.
Ferguson is directing the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to transfer about $2.2 million per week to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, which distributes grants directly to food banks.
The first transfer is scheduled for Nov. 3 if Congress and the White House fail to reach a budget agreement and legal efforts to restore SNAP funding are unsuccessful. Weekly transfers will continue until federal benefits are reinstated, the state said.
Food banks across Washington are already experiencing record demand amid rising food costs. State officials warn that residents may face longer wait times and limited resources as the shutdown persists.
트위터 공유: 워싱턴 주지사 푸드뱅크 구원 위해 220만 달러 매주 투입