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Our Work|Public Policy|Federal Funding Cuts Impact Survey

Federal Funding Cuts: Impact on Washington State Food Security

The federal budget bill passed in July 2025—commonly referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—includes sweeping cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and food bank funding. These changes will have immediate and long-term consequences for Washington residents, particularly those already experiencing food insecurity.

Key Statistics: Washington State Impact

The legislation shifts costs to states, changes who is and isn’t eligible for SNAP, imposes more stringent work requirements, and reduces benefits for millions. In Washington state, nearly 2 million residents rely on SNAP and Medicaid. Cuts to these programs will increase hunger, destabilize families, and overwhelm our already strained emergency food system.

Impact on SNAP

Current participation: Approximately 1M Washingtonians rely on SNAP benefits.

  • Projected cuts: 130,000 may lose those benefits entirely; all recipients will face reductions.
  • Children impacted: 34% of SNAP recipients in WA are children.
  • Seniors impacted: 22% of SNAP recipients in WA are seniors.
  • Economic impact: SNAP cuts could reduce spending at WA businesses by $252 million annually.
SOURCE

Impact on Medicaid (Apple Health)

Current enrollment: Nearly 2 million Washingtonians —roughly 1 in 5—are enrolled in Apple Health, the state’s Medicaid program.

  • Projected cuts: Kaiser Family Foundation estimates Washington will lose between $31 billion and $51 billion in federal Medicaid dollars over the next 10 years, or at least $3 billion per year.
  • Projected coverage loss: Nearly 500,000 residents could lose their medical coverage.
SOURCE 1 | 2

Impact on Food Bank Funding

  • Federal support reduction: Estimated loss of 20 million pounds of food statewide.
  • Emergency food assistance: The USDA has cut $500 million from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
  • Statewide impact: A 10–15% drop in available food resources.
SOURCE 1 | 2

Our Stance

Primary Message:

These federal cuts will push more Washington individuals and families into hunger while simultaneously reducing the resources available to help them. It’s a double blow that will have lasting consequences for our communities.

Key Themes:

Human Impact Focus:

  • Families will lose access to nutrition assistance
  • Children, seniors, working families, people with disabilities, and BIPOC communities will be disproportionately affected
  • Communities already struggling will face deeper hardship

Systems Strain:

  • Food banks will see increased demand with reduced resources to meet it
  • Healthcare systems will face greater pressure as Medicaid coverage decreases
  • Local communities will struggle to fill gaps left by federal reductions

Economic Reality:

  • Food insecurity costs communities more than prevention
  • Every dollar spent on SNAP generates up to $1.80 in economic activity
  • Cutting nutrition assistance reduces local economic impact

Northwest Harvest Quotes

The following quotes may be attributed to “Northwest Harvest” or “Northwest Harvest staff.” To request an interview with one of our subject matter experts, please complete the form on our Media Hub.

On SNAP Cuts

  • “SNAP is our nation’s first line of defense against hunger. When we cut this program, we’re cutting food access for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families.”
  • “The average SNAP benefit is already modest—about $6 per person per day. Further cuts mean families will have to choose between food and other basic needs.”
  • “SNAP cuts don’t just hurt individuals—they hurt local economies. Every SNAP dollar spent generates additional economic activity in communities.”
  • “People living on fixed incomes will be left without the ability to feed themselves.”
  • “Veterans (42,000 in Washington alone), people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth will lose their current exemptions and need to meet SNAP work requirements to receive benefits.”
  • “College students struggling with already alarming food insecurity rates on campuses, might have to choose between eating and continuing their studies.”

On Medicaid Reductions

  • “Medicaid cuts affect food security because families forced to choose between healthcare and groceries will often skip meals to pay for medicine.”
  • “Many food bank clients rely on Medicaid for healthcare. When they lose coverage, they’re more likely to need emergency food assistance.”
  • “Many people will lose access to healthcare, in addition to being denied access to nutrient-dense food, leading to increased downstream healthcare costs.”

On Food Bank Funding

  • “Federal commodity programs provide the backbone of food bank operations. When this funding is cut, food banks must spend more on food purchases, reducing their ability to serve people.”
  • “Food banks are already operating at capacity. We cannot absorb both increased demand and reduced resources.”

On Community Impact

  • “These cuts will be felt in every Washington county. Rural communities, already facing limited resources, will be hit particularly hard.”
  • “Schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations will see increased need just as their ability to respond is diminished.”
  • “Our housing crisis will worsen as families struggle to pay for basic living expenses.”

On Disproportionate Impacts

  • “Food insecurity is already significantly higher among Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, and multi-racial households, as well as low-income and larger households. These communities will be hit particularly hard.”
  • “Compounding the impact, these communities are also more likely to be impacted by Medicaid cuts, housing instability, and rising food prices.”

Additional Messaging

“This isn’t just a budget issue—it’s a moral one. We’re talking about whether families can afford to eat.”

“Food banks are doing everything they can, but we cannot fill the gap left by federal cuts.”

“We’re seeing more families who were just getting by now pushed into crisis. Inflation, housing costs, and benefit reductions are converging.”

“We’re not asking for charity—we’re asking for policy that reflects our values.”

“Every dollar cut from SNAP is a dollar taken from a child’s lunchbox, a senior’s pantry, or a working parent’s dinner table.”

“Cuts to Medicaid don’t just affect hospitals—they affect whether families can afford groceries after paying for care.”

“When we talk about food insecurity, we’re also talking about racial justice, disability rights, and economic equity.”

“Community organizations are innovating every day—but we can’t do it alone. We need investment, not abandonment.”

What We’re Already Seeing on the Ground:

The following are quotes from some of our many statewide partners, conveying what they are already seeing, hearing, and experiencing in their communities.

“In addition to ongoing concerns around food security, we’ve seen a growing need for basic necessities, particularly for children. Many community members are seeking support for items like diapers, wipes, formula, children’s clothing, and car seats. There has also been an increase in requests for adult clothing and other essential household needs, highlighting the broader economic challenges families are facing.” (Living Well Kent, June partner report)

“Clients that stopped using the food bank for over a year or 2 have been returning and families are moving back in with each other.” (Caritas Food Bank, July partner report)

“We are serving more children than ever before as grocery store prices continue to rise. More families are in need of nutritious food and fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as proteins are very expensive.” (North Mason Coalition of Churches and Community, July partner report)

“We have seen an increase in new registered households and current households needing additional food support. We have seen local financial donations drop and grant funding drop almost completely. Our AmeriCorps program was canceled without warning, and our staff is experiencing additional increased financial challenges. Overall financial challenges are widespread.” (Orcas Island Food Bank, July partner report)

“Like many food banks across the state, we are experiencing record-high numbers of individuals and families seeking food assistance. More working families and seniors on fixed incomes are turning to us as rising costs for groceries, housing, and healthcare continue to strain limited budgets. A first-time visitor at one of our mobile food pantry rural stops said: “I didn’t think anyone would come all the way out here for people like us. You have no idea what this means.” (Sequim Food Bank, July partner report)

What We Expect to See:

For Individuals and Families

  • Increased food insecurity: Families stretching meals, skipping meals, or choosing lower-quality food. More frequent visits to food banks.
  • Health consequences: Worsening chronic conditions due to poor nutrition or choosing between food and medication.
  • Child development: Reduced concentration and academic performance affecting students experiencing hunger.
  • Working families: Parents working multiple jobs still unable to afford adequate nutrition.

For Communities

  • School impact: Increased reliance on school meal programs and weekend backpack programs.
  • Healthcare strain: Emergency rooms seeing more nutrition-related health issues.
  • Economic effects: Reduced spending at local grocery stores and farmers markets.
  • Social services: Increased demand on local assistance programs already at capacity.

For Food Banks and Service Organizations

  • Increased demand: 20-30% increase in clients seeking emergency food assistance.
  • Reduced supply: Less federal commodity food available for distribution.
  • Staffing strain: Volunteers and staff overwhelmed by increased need.
  • Program cuts: Reduced ability to offer wraparound services like nutrition education.
  • Partner impact: Smaller pantries and meal programs forced to reduce services or close, worsening food deserts.

What We’re Doing and What Others Can Do:

What Northwest Harvest is Doing

  • Advocating for mitigation of federal funding loss via alternative avenues
  • Developing innovative distribution methods to reach more communities
  • Expanding partnerships with local food producers and retailers
  • Amplifying the voices of communities most impacted and raising awareness about the needs of the organizations that serve them

What Communities Can Do

  • Contact federal representatives to oppose further cuts
  • Support local food banks through donations and volunteerism
  • Advocate for state-level programs to fill federal gaps
  • Raise awareness about food insecurity in their communities
  • Share personal impact stories with their networks to bring attention to the issue

What Policymakers Should Consider

  • The false economy of cutting nutrition assistance
  • Long-term health and educational consequences
  • Disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations
  • Economic multiplier effects of nutrition programs

Credible Data Sources on Food Insecurity:

  • WAFOODS Survey: Published annually, often in spring, though dates may vary. Washington-specific data. A fraction of Washington State households surveyed, with low-income households over-sampled.
  • Food Research and Action Center: National research and advocacy organization. They have a collection of interactive data tools, research briefs, and other resources.
  • Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: National research, comms, and advocacy organization. Publish analysis of multiple topics, including food insecurity and other issues related to poverty.

Contact Information:

Media Inquiries

If you are a member of the media seeking insight and or an interview with one of our subject matter experts, please contact:

Natasha Dworkin, Director of Communications
natashad@northwestharvest.org | 206.715.1696

Legislative Inquiries

If you are a legislative staffer seeking insight or engagement opportunities, please contact:

Andrew Schlosser, Acting Director of Strategic Initiatives
andrews@northwestharvest.org | 206.923.7477

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

This document reflects Northwest Harvest’s position as of [7/29/25]. For other inquiries, contact the communications team.