SNAP, Shutdown: What You Need to Know—and Do

As the government shutdown continues and new SNAP restrictions take effect Nov. 1, 40 million Americans now face uncertainty around food access. At Northwest Harvest, we believe food is a human right — and we’re committed to helping Washington communities navigate this moment with clarity, compassion, and action.

Things are changing rapidly but we are committed to tracking the most important information, news, and resources, and keeping you updated. Here are some new developments:

Updates: 11/5

• The Federal government has announced that it will use contingency funds to restore SNAP benefits, in compliance with court orders, but only at 50% of their normal amounts.
• Participants can expect a partial payment. If you typically receive $350, you can anticipate roughly $175 now.
• It is unclear how long it will take for benefit deposits to resume. If you normally receive a deposit to your EBT card, you should prepare for a delay.
• Anyone who was previously approved for SNAP will be included in the partial payments for November, in accordance with the court orders. What will happen in December, if the government shutdown continues, remains unknown.

Updates: 11/1

• Two Federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must pay at least partial SNAP benefits using contingency funds. The administration is required to respond with their plan by November 3.
• It is anticipated that the administration may appeal the decision.
• If SNAP benefits are set to resume, it is unknown how long that will take and what it will entail.
• Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that the City will direct up to $8M to help support food banks during the SNAP delay. Learn more >

Updates 10/29

• Washington is one of 25 states that have filed suit against the Trump administration over its plans to withhold SNAP benefits, arguing the law requires the government to provide funds for November.
• Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has stated that there isn’t enough contingency funding to cover SNAP benefits for November, which she said would cost about $9.2 billion.
• Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has announced that the state will provide $2.2 million weekly to Washington State Food banks for as long as the shutdown continues. Learn more >

What’s Changing with SNAP

• November benefits may be delayed or reduced due to the shutdown.
• Washington distributes SNAP benefits on a staggered schedule, so some households will be affected earlier than others.
• New federal rules increase work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs).
• Parents of children over the age of 14 will also have new work requirements.
• Fewer exemptions for caregivers, veterans, and young adults aging out of foster care.
• Children, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, unhoused individuals, low-income families, communities of color, and rural communities will be most impacted.

How to Access Food Now

• Use any remaining EBT funds 
• Find food near you using our searchable map of 375+ food bank partners >
• Call 2-1-1 or visit WA211.org >
• Visit findhelp.org for emergency assistance and other resources >
• Find a Little Free Pantry in your area > 
• Find your community’s Buy Nothing group >
• Find a mutual aid network in your area >

Who’s Most Impacted

SNAP cuts and shutdown delays are hitting the hardest for those already facing systemic barriers to food access. That includes: 

• Communities of color and people living in poverty: These groups are more likely to rely on SNAP as a primary source of food — and more likely to be harmed by delays or new eligibility restrictions.
• Seniors: Over 11 million adults aged 50+ rely on SNAP. Shutdowns could leave many without food assistance.
• Disabled individuals: People with disabilities face higher rates of poverty and food insecurity.
• Single parents and children: 39% of SNAP beneficiaries are children. SNAP cuts worsen health and educational outcomes for kids and low-income families.
• Unhoused individuals, veterans, and foster youth: New rules remove exemptions, placing them at risk of losing benefits.

How You Can Help

Our emergency food system is more stretched than ever. Here’s how you can support it:

• Donate food, funds, or volunteer time to your local food bank. View our statewide partner map to find a food program near you.
• Host a community food drive. Register and get resources here >
• Organize with your neighbors to arrange shared grocery trips or offer someone a ride to the grocery store or food bank.
• Contact Congress and demand emergency SNAP funding. Call the Capitol Switchboard and make your voice heard: 202-224-3121 | Find your legislator >
• Share this information and other resource posts with your networks. Focus on friends and families in rural areas, which will be most impacted by SNAP cuts.
• VOTE in the upcoming general election. We need leaders who will prioritize food security. NOTE: Due to the shutdown, USPS delivery may be unreliable. If possible, deposit your ballot directly in your nearest drop box. Find yours >

Our Partner Food Banks Need Your Support

We’ve compiled a list of real time support requests from our partner food banks, food pantries, and meal programs across Washington. Find out how you can make an impact in the way your local food bank needs most right now. View the list >

Northwest Harvest’s Commitment

• We’ve increased our food purchasing budget by $1 million this year to help meet the rising need.
• That means we’re buying more staple foods and nutritious items to make sure families have access to healthy meals.
• We’ve doubled our food purchasing budget for the month of November, to help our partners navigate the increased need resulting from SNAP delays.
• We’re mobilizing collective resources, sharing updates to keep you informed, and pushing for systemic change so that no one has to go hungry.
• We’re working closely with our network of partners statewide to get food where it’s needed most.
• Ultimately, to truly close the gap left by SNAP cuts, we need federal and state leaders to step up and invest in both near- and long-term solutions.

Stay Informed

• Follow us on social media for daily updates and ways to help. Instagram | Facebook
• If you aren’t already on our email list, sign up here to receive updates delivered to your inbox.

Need food now? Visit WA211.org or FindHelp.org 

Please consider making a gift to support our work. Your help keeps food flowing to families and communities who are feeling the loss of SNAP support. Every act of generosity fills the gap and strengthens our network of care across Washington. Donate now >