Most people with access to media sources are aware of the serious uncertainties people all around us are facing as a result of the federal government shutdown. For some, they've been placed on unpaid leave, for many, they are in fear of pauses to or total loss of SNAP (food stamp) benefits and other crucial support programs due to funding freezes. All of this is right on the heels of huge losses of federal jobs and some of the largest cuts to SNAP benefits in history. As a result, we are seeing increasing numbers of new families seeking food bank resources - many for the first time.
We want to help everyone understand what all this means - for our neighbors who are deeply affected and for food banks like ours and all over the country. Anytime there is a government shutdown, we start seeing more new people than usual seeking help keeping food on the table. For several weeks, the additional pending doom was the news that SNAP benefits may be paused if the federal government shutdown extended past October 31, leaving over 200,000 families in King County without critical food assistance. In addition, temporary layoffs and reduced operations at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) are expected to begin on November 4, creating another layer of support needed for those who've lost their jobs as well as those served by these operations.
Due to the massive impact of funding freezes and cuts, many states have rushed to hold the federal government accountable for not replenishing SNAP benefits, and Washington State has authorized the release of $2.2 million per week to help food banks address the need caused by the loss of SNAP benefits. State issued food bank support will take some time and will most likely be in the form of government subsidized food products. Federal judges have issued orders and November SNAP benefits will now be paid (at least partially), however, the process can take weeks for recipients to receive benefits. This is a hopeful start, but not enough. There's more to be done!
This is where your compassion makes all the difference. Many of you have asked how you can help, and we will be keeping our Take Action page updated weekly as we learn new action opportunities to influence change and stand in the gap for neighbors in need. The information we receive frequently changes, so by the time you read this article, the situation may have already changed. Thank you for considering contacting State Representatives and Senators, volunteering your time or skills, donating food or funds to help keep our shelves stocked, hosting a food drive, or joining the Issaquah-Sammamish Food Project. However you take action, you are part of our mission of uniting our community in nourishing and nurturing individuals by removing barriers to healthy food —and together, we can surround our community with hope and support amidst the uncertainty.
Check out our Take Action page for more details.