The federal government shutdown is delaying food benefits for Washington families. Find information and resources if:

Your benefits are delayed. | You’re a community-serving organization. | You’re looking for ways to help.

Advocacy

Policy change is the most effective way to address hunger.

Together, we can change the system so that everyone in Washington has enough food to eat.

Our priorities:

  • Strengthening nutrition programs. We work to protect and expand access to proven federal nutrition programs like Basic Food (SNAP), WIC, and school meals. These programs are cornerstones of our hunger relief program — and need to be robust, equitable, and fully funded.

  • Advancing food justice in every community. We push for policies and investments that address the root causes of hunger, from systemic racism to underfunded local food systems, and ensure that everyone in our state has the food they need to thrive.

  • Partnering for impact. Whether we’re at the state capitol in Olympia, in city halls, or with our congressional delegation, we advocate alongside food banks, schools, and community leaders to shape policies that will reduce hunger and promote long-term food security.

Government Shutdown

The partial federal government shutdown is impacting people across the United States.

Congress failed to pass a budget before its October 1st deadline, causing a lapse in funding for federal agencies. This is the result of partisan disagreements over spending priorities, including a fight over healthcare funding. Without a new budget bill, federal agencies must shut down non-essential operations.

This is now the longest government shutdown in United States history. As the shutdown continues, families who rely on federal food assistance, including SNAP, will be left without the support they need.

Get involved in the fight for SNAP:

  • Take action. Contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture and your members of Congress and tell them that SNAP benefits must be paid in full during the government shutdown.

  • Learn more about how the government shutdown is impacting food benefits.

  • Share your SNAP story to help government leaders understand the impact of SNAP benefits in your life.

Act Now to Protect Basic Food!

With the passage of H.R. 1, Congress has mandated the largest cuts to SNAP (Basic Food) in the program’s history - but there is still opportunity for positive change.

Make sure legislators understand the harm these cuts will cause.

Take action now.

More Resources

  • Stay up-to-date with the Anti-Hunger and Nutrition Coalition, a statewide coalition of organizations and individuals committed to ending hunger and fighting poverty in Washington State.

  • Learn about hunger in your community with our County Fact Sheets.

  • Help legislators understand the impact of SNAP in their communities. Collect SNAP stories to share with advocates and lawmakers.