Information from the West Seattle Food Bank

The West Seattle Food Bank (WSFB) is preparing for a significant rise in need as the federal government shutdown continues and reductions to SNAP benefits compound the strain on household food budgets.

In Washington State, more than 900,000 residents rely on SNAP (Basic Food/EBT) each month to help cover groceries, receiving an average household benefit of $322. While October benefits have been distributed, if the government remains closed past November 1, November SNAP payments are expected to be delayed - creating severe hardship for families already struggling with rising costs.

“Many of those hit hardest may not even realize what’s coming,” said Fran Yeatts, Executive Director of the West Seattle Food Bank. “We’re preparing for families who’ve never needed us before - seniors visiting a food bank for the first time, and working parents already stretched thin by long days and childcare now struggling to find time to get here before the doors close.”

Even before the vote to reduce SNAP and the federal shutdown, working families were already feeling the squeeze. The West Seattle Food Bank’s weekend Backpack Program -which provides food for students who rely on school meals during the week - grew 63% from FY24 to FY25, from 9,007 to 14,656 weekend food packs delivered to 13 West Seattle area schools. This sharp increase reflects just how hard it has become for working families to make ends meet amid rising grocery prices. 

To respond, WSFB is planning to allocate additional resources to food purchases to keep shelves stocked and services stable, despite potential disruptions in federal food assistance programs such as TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program). While TEFAP shipments already in transit will continue, new orders cannot be placed during the shutdown - further tightening supply chains for local food banks.

“We are steadfast and rooted in this community,” Yeatts continued. “No matter how long this shutdown lasts, the West Seattle Food Bank will continue doing everything possible to ensure our neighbors have food on the table.”

The Food Bank urges community members to stay informed through official sources, including the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) for SNAP updates and the Department of Health for Women, infants and Children (WIC) information.

Those wishing to help can donate at westseattlefoodbank.org. Every contribution helps WSFB stay ready to meet the growing need in the weeks ahead.