SEATTLE — More than 930,000 Washington state residents are set to lose federal food assistance by November 1 as the ongoing government shutdown threatens to end SNAP benefits, leaving food banks scrambling to prepare for what officials are calling an “unprecedented” surge in demand.
The expiration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits comes as 1 in 8 Americans relies on SNAP to purchase groceries each month. With no end to the government shutdown in sight, food assistance organizations across western Washington brace for a massive influx of people seeking help.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) website now displays a warning: “the well has run dry.”
Thomas Reynolds, CEO of Northwest Harvest, described the situation as critical.
“This really feels like an unprecedented time, a time of very high need,” he said.
The crisis represents a convergence of multiple factors straining the food assistance network. Aaron Czyzewski, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Food Lifeline, explained that the region is already dealing with elevated food insecurity.
“We have high levels of food insecurity left over from the pandemic, caused by high costs for groceries and inflation,” Czyzewski said. “Now you’re having the retreat of federal support.”
“I think there’s going to be a massive increase for every food bank and every food pantry across the state,” Reynolds warned.
Food banks and nonprofit organizations are appealing to both state government and the public for immediate help. Reynolds said he has contacted state officials about the impending crisis.
“I personally have reached out to Washington State Department of Agriculture and the governor’s office saying we see this coming. We think it’s really serious, and a lot of households are going to be in need,” he said.
Nonprofits are urging the state to tap into rainy day funds to address the emergency. Food Lifeline sent a letter to the state on Friday requesting millions in emergency funding to meet anticipated demand.
Czyzewski issued an urgent call for community support.
“We need people in communities to reach out now to donate, to volunteer at a local food bank or food pantry. We have an immediate problem that has to be solved today,” he said.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services said that without restored federal funding, it cannot issue food benefits starting Saturday. SNAP-funded employees may face temporary layoffs, which would close mobile offices and increase wait times for services.
트위터 공유: 워싱턴 SNAP 중단 위기 속 푸드뱅크 비상 대응