OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson has directed nearly $2.2 million per week to bolster Washington’s food banks as federal SNAP funding is set to end due to the government shutdown.
Starting November 1, federal support will be halted, impacting nearly 1 million Washingtonians who depend on SNAP, Gov. Ferguson said in a release.
Governor Ferguson said rural Washington will be hit particularly hard. 28% of Yakima County residents, the highest percentage of any county statewide, rely on SNAP, the release said.
“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,” Gov. Ferguson said.
The governor noted that he’s reallocating funds from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services to the Department of Agriculture, which will provide grants to food banks. The first transfer is set for November 3, if a budget deal is not reached.
Attorney General Nick Brown has filed a lawsuit, arguing that the suspension of SNAP is unlawful.
For those in need of assistance, local food banks and the Washington Department of Agriculture offer resources. Washington 211 is also available as a free service to connect people with necessary resources.
