ACTION ALERT: Federal Shutdown – What it Means and What You Can Do

Federal Government Shutdown: What It Means for Food-Insecure Communities in Washington

As of October 1, the federal government has entered a partial shutdown. With Congress unable to reach a funding agreement, critical services are now disrupted—and the consequences for food-insecure households here at home could be severe.

This shutdown comes at a time when many Washingtonians are already struggling. Cuts to SNAP, food bank funding, and Medicaid have deepened the strain. Now, the programs that help people put food on the table face even greater uncertainty.

Local Impacts: What You Need to Know

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

• October SNAP benefits are expected to be distributed as planned.
• November benefits are uncertain. USDA may use contingency funds, but availability and authorization are unclear.
• Food retailers cannot renew their EBT licenses during the shutdown, putting their ability to accept SNAP payments in jeopardy.
• With federal oversight paused, states may experience delays in receiving and submitting required data to USDA. These disruptions could lead to late or interrupted benefit payments for SNAP recipients.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

• Funding for FY2026 has not been received.
• Washington state reports having only 10 days of “food funds” available.
• As of today, many WIC offices are unable to enroll new participants.

Food Safety

• The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) — responsible for overseeing food safety — has largely ceased operations.
• During the 2013 shutdown, a 16-day halt led to a sharp reduction in domestic and international food safety inspections.
• With inspections again suspended, the risk of food contamination and unsafe products entering the market increases significantly — especially dangerous during a time when families have limited flexibility in what they can afford to eat.

Federal Workers

• Hundreds of thousands of federal employees are now either furloughed without pay or required to work without pay.
• President Trump has publicly threatened a mass firing of federal workers over the shutdown.
• Washington state alone has approximately 76,000 federal employees, many of whom could experience immediate financial hardship — further compounding food insecurity across the state.

Taking Action: What You Can Do

Raise Your Voice:

Contact your representative and urge them to negotiate a bipartisan budget bill to end the shutdown and protect funding for essential programs like SNAP and WIC. Every message helps show that food access is a priority for their constituents. ➡️ Find Your Representative

Times like this call for compassion, community, and care. We invite you to:

✔ Start a Conversation

Talk with neighbors, coworkers, and friends about what the federal shutdown means for us in Washington and why it matters.

✔ Share Resources

Help spread the word about local food banks, mutual aid groups, and support services. Visit our statewide map to find a food bank or pantry in your area.

✔ Stay Informed

Follow updates from trusted sources like the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC).

Your Voice Matters

This shutdown is more than a political impasse—it’s a direct threat to families, workers, and communities across Washington. But together, we can help protect the most vulnerable among us. Let’s keep showing up—for each other, and for a food system rooted in justice.