On July 4th, 2025, Congress passed H.R. 1 - or the “One Big Beautiful Bill” - legislation that decreases SNAP benefit amounts, adds hundreds of millions to our state budget, and limits eligibility for our most vulnerable community members. While this was an unprecedented attack on our country’s most robust food assistance program, there are still lots of opportunities for positive change.
Join us as we get to work on the road ahead.
What Changes Are Coming to Basic Food?
Here’s the Breakdown:
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Under this new legislation, certain Washingtonians will be required to work a minimum of 80 hours per month in order to qualify for SNAP benefits. This applies to:
Able-bodied adults through age 64
Parents with children aged 14-17
Veterans
Those experiencing homelessness
Former foster youth
Individuals who do not meet the work requirements will only qualify for 3 months of Basic Food benefits every 3 years. Unlike previous work requirements that only applied in certain counties, this policy will apply statewide.
This legislation went into effect on November 3rd, 2025 and will impact ~129,000 Washingtonians.
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This bill narrows eligibility for SNAP to only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (“green card holders”). Refugees and asylees, who have long been recognized as “qualified” for federal benefits, will lose eligibility.
This legislation went into effect on November 1st, 2025 and will disqualify ~30,000 Washington residents from SNAP.
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Through a series of smaller program changes, this legislation will lead to lower SNAP benefit amounts. It bars Congress from making any changes to the Thrifty Food Plan - the equation used to calculate SNAP benefits - outside of an annual cost of living adjustment. Internet expenses will no longer be factored into benefit calculations, and use of the Standard Utility Allowance, which makes financial reporting easier for families, will be limited.
These changes will be phased in between fall 2025 and fall 2027.
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This legislation requires Washington state to cover 5% of SNAP benefits and a larger portion of the program’s administrative expenses - meaning an extra $190 million in costs for our state budget each year.
Depending on the state legislature’s ability to fill this funding gap, SNAP eligibility or benefit amounts may need to be decreased further.
This budget shift will go into effect between October 1, 2026 and October 1, 2027.
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Starting October 1, 2025, this legislation eliminated the SNAP-Ed program.
In 2025, Washington received $11,890,000 in SNAP-Ed funding. This grant supported nutrition education in schools, food banks, housing complexes, and more - reaching over 1.39 million Washingtonians through 698 community partners.
What’s the Timeline?
Effective October 1, 2025
Elimination of the SNAP-Ed program
End of considering internet costs in benefit calculations
Effective November 1, 2025
Exclusion of refugees and asylees from Basic Food (SNAP) eligibility
Removal of standard utility allowance for recipients of LIHEAP payments
Expansion of work requirements and 3-month time limit
Effective October 1, 2026
Increase in state administrative cost share
Prohibition of updates to the Thrifty Food Plan, outside of annual inflation adjustment
Effective October 1, 2027
State benefits cost share begins
Learn More
As the changes to SNAP begin to roll out in Washington, it is imperative to keep up the noise about the harms this causes in our communities.
Your voice matters — make it loud!
Get Involved
Contact Your Legislators
Tell your elected officials about the importance of Basic SNAP in your community. Share your story, voice your concern, and ask for their support.
Spread the Word
Share about the SNAP cuts on social media, publish a blog post, or write to your local newspaper - then encourage your neighbor to do the same.
Collect and Share SNAP Stories
SNAP stories help legislators and advocates understand the impact of this vital program. Share how Basic Food has impacted your life, and what these cuts mean to you.
Stay Connected
Protecting SNAP takes all of us. Our action alerts will notify you of upcoming advocacy opportunities, from contacting lawmakers to testifying at the state capitol.