As federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) hangs in the balance, a local establishment in White Center is drawing on neighborhood strength and empathy to help meet the urgent need for food security. Boombox Bar, located at 9608 16th Ave SW, is giving away its well-known smash burgers to those impacted by the severe loss of SNAP benefits.
This act of local generosity is a direct response to a looming national crisis that carries immense local weight. As of October 31, 2025, the SNAP program is facing a major funding crisis due to an ongoing U.S. government shutdown, with benefits set to expire starting Saturday, November 1.
The Seattle Impact
While the suspension of benefits threatens over 42 million Americans who rely on food assistance nationwide, the loss hits close to home for thousands of Puget Sound residents. If Seattle reflects the state average—where approximately 11% of the population receives SNAP benefits—roughly 80,000 to 90,000 Seattle residents could be impacted by the lack of funding. This group includes low-income families, seniors, and individuals who depend on SNAP for basic food security. Organizations nationwide are already bracing for a surge in demand as families lose access to crucial monthly support.
Empathy in Every Burger
For Boombox Bar owner Amy McCormack, stepping up was a simple necessity, despite the challenges facing her own small business. To receive a free burger, those in need are simply asked to show their EBT card upon arrival.
McCormack explained the decision, acknowledging the difficult economic landscape: “It’s tough as a small business we already have a lot stacked against us and post-Covid took a big toll on our neighborhood that to be honest we are all still working to come out of,” she said. White Center has also recently dealt with devastating local fires that took out nearly half a block just across the street.
McCormack described the news that community members would be losing their crucial SNAP benefits as "heartbreaking". Despite the business itself only "just managing to pay our bills/keep our lights on," they remain committed to helping.
“If it’s between someone going hungry and us donating a burger here or there, then we’re more than happy to do that,” McCormack stated.
She emphasized that while the burgers are free for those affected by the cuts, the only ask is that patrons take care of the staff by tipping what they can, if they are able.
Boombox Bar intends to continue the giveaway “as long as we can”, relying on the continued support of the community to keep the business alive. The bar opens at 5 pm every day and features karaoke nightly from 9 pm until closing at 2 am. McCormack concluded by celebrating the local resilience, noting that their "neighborhood is strong and rallied together"
http://www.boomboxbar.com
