Stanwood couple struggling after nationwide cut to SNAP benefits

STANWOOD, Wash. — A Stanwood family is sharing their story of food insecurity after having their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits reduced. It’s an issue impacting nearly a million Washingtonians after a federal move to slash benefits last month.

“It just boggles the imagination that a family who is struggling to survive solely on a single disability payment can be deemed essentially ineligible for food benefits,” said Alan Gossett.

That’s exactly what happened to Gossett and his husband, Jon Howe. Howe has a form of ALS and a number of disabilities that require full-time care and a special diet. Gossett is his caretaker.

“We’re poor enough with the benefits that we had. We didn’t have extra money,” said Howe.

Last month, the couple discovered their SNAP benefits, which were once $516, had been reduced to just $13. They now are relying on GoFundMe donations to stay fed.

“To have this happen at this time when things have become so inflated, is particularly cruel to families that are already struggling,” said Gossett.

Their attempts for additional SNAP benefits were rejected.

KIRO 7 also reached out to the Department of Social and Health Services, which said in part, “We encourage clients to stretch their existing benefits as much as possible, including through SNAP Match programs, and if circumstances have changed they can let us know and we’ll see whether they are eligible for a different amount.”

The couple is now trying to make do but is faced with difficult choices in the coming weeks.

“We have to worry, ‘Do I cut medicine? Do we not eat some meals?’” asked Howe. “Or worse, ‘Can we even afford to take care of me?’”

The couple says if they can’t pay their bills, Howe may need to return to a nursing home, as it’s critical that he receives food and care, but right now they don’t have the funds to maintain that.

Gossett says watching what’s happened to his family makes him worried for other families caring for loved ones with disabilities.

“I’m trying to raise my voice not only for my family but for other families who are suffering because of this,” said Gossett. “Who don’t have any choice except to take the cut and try to live with it.”

Gossett started an online petition to restore SNAP benefits to disabled Medicaid clients.

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