SEATTLE — The White House has threatened to cut SNAP benefits for Democratic-led states, including Washington, if they do not provide immigration status information for recipients.
Food banks in areas like West Seattle are preparing for potential funding cuts by purchasing more food, as they brace for the impact on SNAP recipients.
“It’s like when is it going to end, you know. When are we going to….when is it going to let up?” said Alyvia Marion, a SNAP recipient, expressing her exhaustion over the threat of more cuts.
“We have begun and will begin to stop moving federal funds into those states until they comply and they tell us and allow us to partner with them to root out this fraud and to protect the American taxpayer,” said Brooke Rollins from the Department of Agriculture.
Robin Peterson from the West Seattle Food Bank argued, saying: “Well that’s not about immigration. It’s not about finding fraud. If you cut the administrative funding, you will hurt everybody here on SNAP.”
Marion, who stocks food at the West Seattle Food Bank, is among nearly a million SNAP recipients in Washington concerned about how long their food supplies will last. She has two children, worries about having her benefits split in half and the challenges of accessing resources.
Peterson noted that food banks are stocking up on food in anticipation of SNAP cuts, which creates storage issues across the city.
Marion expressed frustration, saying, “With us, it’s like we are going to give you the short end of the stick and you are going to have to make ends meet. It seems like we are just pawns in a chess game. Like in the forefront, we deal with it and then the backlash they receive is nowhere near what we have to go through.”
As the threat of SNAP benefit cuts looms, recipients and food banks in Washington are left grappling with uncertainty and preparing for potential hardships.
Finding a food bank or pantry near you
According to Hunger Free Washington, there are over 500 food banks and pantries in our state—and they’re open to everyone.
Washington 211 runs an interactive map that allows you to find the nearest one to where you live. You can select what days of the week they’re open, and if English isn’t your first language – you can find pantries that are fluent in your native language.
You can also dial 211 to speak with someone on the phone who can help you find a food bank or other resources near you. The service is free and confidential. Call between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Another resource is the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army Northwest provided over one million meals for families and individuals struggling with food insecurity.
To find a location with a food pantry, click here.
Do I need to bring anything?
Some food banks might ask you for a photo ID and proof of address. If you request baby formula or diapers, they might ask for a copy of your child’s birth certificate.
You can still receive food even if you don’t have the right documents. Most food banks on the map make food available to everyone, regardless of paperwork.
You might be asked questions about your race, ethnicity, and citizenship status. These questions are not required. You can skip them and still receive food. Food banks use this information to collect data about the communities that they serve.
Expect a line
Depending on demand, you might need to wait for more than an hour before you receive food. Dress warm. At some locations, you may have to wait outside.
Are there pickup or delivery options?
The short answer is yes. It depends on the location, though. Give your nearest food bank a call, and they can walk you through what your options are.
Free student meals
According to Hunger Free Washington, over 1,500 schools in our state offer free meals to all students.
Click here to see an interactive map of which schools offer this program.
The map was created using data from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Even if your child’s school doesn’t offer free meals to all students, they may still qualify.
Eligibility depends on whether your family’s income meets the income limits for the 2025-26 school year.
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