Big wins for hunger relief this legislative session

March 12th marked the end of a fast-moving 60‑day legislative session. With major federal cuts to SNAP on the horizon, state leaders took important steps to protect food access.

Thanks to strong community advocacy—including yours!—key programs were preserved, and several important bills were passed. Below is a quick look at what moved forward, why it matters, and what comes next.

Key Legislative Wins for Food Security

A Statewide Food Security Strategy (HB 2238)
This new law directs the Washington State Department of Agriculture to work across agencies and with community partners to develop a statewide strategy to eliminate hunger. It’s a big step toward building a more equitable food system—one that supports local farmers and ensures every family can access healthy, culturally relevant food.

Removing Barriers to Food & Medicine Access (HB 2294)
Some property restrictions have blocked grocery stores and pharmacies from opening in the communities that need them most. This bill prohibits those limitations, helping expand access to essential food and medicine across Washington.

Standards for Medically Tailored Meals (HB 2211)
This legislation sets statewide standards for medically tailored meals—ensuring they are nutritionally, medically, and culturally appropriate and delivered by Washington-based nonprofit providers. It will help thousands of residents better manage chronic illness with food as medicine.

A Major Win for Progressive Revenue: The Millionaires Tax

After an unprecedented 24-hour floor debate, lawmakers passed the Millionaires Tax (SSB 6346), which now heads to the Governor’s desk. This new revenue stream will:

• Strengthen Washington’s social safety net
• Provide free school meals for all public school students
• Expand the Working Families Tax Credit
• Eliminate sales tax on personal hygiene products and over‑the‑counter medications

This is an important step toward a fairer, more stable tax system that supports basic needs for all Washingtonians.

Food Security Funding: Fully Maintained in the 2026 Supplemental Budget

All major state food security programs were protected in the final budget—and one key program received additional support.

• Emergency Food Assistance Program (base): $41.14M — MAINTAINED
• Emergency Food Assistance Program (extended): $93.25M — MAINTAINED
• SUN Bucks (Summer EBT): $13.97M — INCREASED from $11.83M
• Senior Nutrition Program: $27.96M — MAINTAINED
• Fruits & Vegetables Incentive Program: $2.95M — MAINTAINED

At a time of increasing need, maintaining these investments is critical—and we’re grateful they were protected.

Looking Ahead: Advocacy Continues

Legislative session may be over, but our work to end hunger continues year‑round. In the months ahead, you’ll see opportunities to engage in:

• Get Out the Vote efforts – voter registration, candidate forums, and nonpartisan education on food security issues.
• Food security listening sessions – lifting lived experience voices and partnering with food banks, BIPOC farmers, and community retailers.
• Federal and local advocacy – protecting and expanding programs that help families thrive.

Thank you!

Your advocacy, partnership, and commitment made these wins possible. Together, we’re building a Washington where hunger has no place—and a food system rooted in dignity, equity, and care.