FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Washington’s Emergency Food System Mobilizes Amid SNAP Disruption and Record Demand

Shutdown delays and new SNAP rules further strain Washington’s emergency food system.

SEATTLE, Wash. — The federal government shutdown may have ended, but its impact on food assistance continues to ripple across Washington. Delays in November SNAP disbursements caused significant hardship for hundreds of thousands of people who rely on these benefits to buy groceries.  

Now, new restrictions enacted under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which took effect Nov. 1, are tightening eligibility and reducing exemptions for people who are unhoused, disabled, or aging out of foster care—changes that will continue to affect SNAP recipients and applicants moving forward. 

In the wake of these disruptions, food pantries across the state are reporting record-breaking demand. Northwest Harvest and its network of more than 375 food banks, pantries, and meal programs have launched a coordinated emergency response to meet the surge in need and ensure individuals, families, and communities can access food with dignity. 

In the past week, Northwest Harvest scaled up its emergency food distribution, increasing its monthly food allocation from $300K to $1M for November. Seven truckloads of fresh produce were delivered to partners statewide, and additional inventory was released to Harvest Pantry locations, including new partners on the Yakama Nation Reservation. 

“We’re not waiting for future months to act,” said Carmen Mendez, Director of Food Access Network and Allocation. “We’re using what we have now to make sure food is available where it’s needed most.” 

To further support people affected by the SNAP cutoff, Northwest Harvest is distributing nearly $400K in grocery gift cards to approximately 7,000 households. The cards—primarily for Safeway, with Mastercard cards provided for communities without nearby Safeway or Albertsons locations—are being sent through trusted school and pantry partners to ensure fast, equitable delivery. 

“This model allows us to quickly turn donated funds into stored value cards distributed within low-income communities most in need, in a manner that offers dignity and flexibility,” said Ken Price, Chief Operating Officer. “Families and individuals can shop for what they need most, without having to navigate additional red tape.” 

Food banks across the state are reporting unprecedented demand. In Clark County, a representative from Northwest Harvest partner, Inter-Faith Treasure House, reports: “We’re serving twice as many families this month. Some have stated that not only did they not receive their food stamps but did not get their Social Security Disability payments.” 

In Chelan County, Community Cupboard has seen a 49% increase in new accounts, many from outside its formal service area. “People are travelling farther and to more food pantries…to meet the difference in the loss of SNAP benefits,” said a staff member.  

“This is the highest number of clients we’ve ever seen,” said a staff member from partner food bank, New Hope Ranch, in Spokane County. 

Northwest Harvest CEO Thomas Reynolds emphasized that while the crisis is urgent, it also reveals deeper systemic vulnerabilities. 

“This moment is a wake-up call,” Reynolds said. “Our food system is fragile, and our emergency response network is being asked to do more than it was ever designed to do. But it’s also a chance to build something better—more equitable, more resilient, and more rooted in community.” 

Northwest Harvest and its partners are calling on elected officials to protect SNAP funding and invest in long-term solutions that address the root causes of hunger. 

“This isn’t just about filling shelves,” said Carmen Mendez, Director of Food Access Network and Allocation. “It’s about protecting the right of every individual to have enough food to eat and ensuring that no one in Washington has to go hungry—now or in the future.” 

About Northwest Harvest 
Northwest Harvest is an anti-racist, anti-oppression organization committed to transforming an unjust food system into one that is more responsive and accountable to communities most impacted by discrimination. Beyond food distribution, the organization works to shift public opinion and impact institutional policies that perpetuate hunger and poverty in Washington state. Learn more at www.northwestharvest.org.

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Media Contact: 

Natasha Dworkin, Director of Communications

media@northwestharvest.org | (206) 715-1696 

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