Food banks in King County anticipate increased demand as forthcoming reductions to federal SNAP benefits approach
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Washington state is set to undergo significant changes due to the 2021 budget reconciliation bill. These changes will have a ripple effect on food banks, school meals, and the overall food security of the state's residents.
Steven Curry, food bank director at the Multi-Service Center in Federal Way, has reported an increase in visitors from Afghanistan, with about 45% to 50% of the center's clients being immigrants and refugees. This trend is reflective of the broader picture in Washington, where food banks are bracing for an influx of clients due to anticipated SNAP cuts.
Janelle Smith-Dozier, a retiree, relies on food assistance from SNAP for about $200 a month. In anticipation of potential SNAP cuts, she plans to stock up on canned goods, dry pasta, and fill her freezer with meats. Hunger relief agencies are encouraging residents to host local food drives and donate volunteer hours to help alleviate anticipated demand.
The budget reconciliation bill could strip SNAP benefits from approximately 212,500 Washingtonians, including 48,500 children, leading to increased food insecurity in the state. With reductions in SNAP benefits, more families will likely turn to food banks, which are already experiencing a 70% increase in visits since 2021.
The bill also impacts school meals and student health. SNAP eligibility is a key factor for schools in Washington implementing the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows over 1,300 high-poverty schools to serve free meals to 603,000 students. Cuts to SNAP could reduce CEP eligibility, thereby reducing free meal access for many students.
Starting in fiscal year 2027, the federal government will cut its share of SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25%, requiring Washington to cover 75% of these costs. This cost shift will strain state budgets and may lead to reduced program capacity, longer service delays, and staff reductions.
The budget reconciliation bill provides $140.4 billion in mandatory SNAP spending nationwide, but over the next decade, SNAP benefits are cut by over $180 billion nationally. This reflects a reduction in the overall generosity and accessibility of SNAP benefits, affecting states including Washington.
However, some protections for American Indian populations are included in the legislation. The reconciliation bill exempts American Indian and Alaska Native beneficiaries from SNAP community engagement and some eligibility redetermination requirements, which helps protect tribal members from some harmful provisions.
The SNAP benefit cuts and increased state administrative costs could collectively push an additional $130 million in costs onto Washington's budget, representing a significant fiscal challenge.
El Centro de la Raza's food bank in Beacon Hill has seen an increase in demand from about 150 visitors a week to about 225 a week over the last year. Consumers are still experiencing record-high food prices at grocery stores, making the SNAP cuts even more painful. In King County, about 11% of residents struggle to access nutritious foods.
Additional federal cuts included in the reconciliation bill, like those to Medicaid, will also have a major impact on people's budgets. Refugees, people granted asylum, and trafficking survivors are now excluded from SNAP benefits.
As the U.S. Department of Agriculture issues guidance to states regarding the new eligibility rules, food banks and hunger relief agencies in Washington continue to prepare for the anticipated demand and increased costs.
- The Multi-Service Center in Federal Way, where Steven Curry serves as food bank director, is witnessing an influx of clients from Afghanistan, with a large portion being immigrants and refugees.
- Janelle Smith-Dozier, a retiree, depends on SNAP for about $200 a month and is preparing for potential SNAP cuts by stocking up on essential food items.
- under the 2021 budget reconciliation bill, SNAP benefits could be stripped from around 212,500 Washingtonians, including 48,500 children, which may lead to increased food insecurity.
- The reductions in SNAP benefits could result in more families turning to food banks, which are already experiencing a surge in visits.
- Schools in Washington may lose eligibility for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows free meals to over 603,000 students in high-poverty schools, due to SNAP cuts.
- The federal government will reduce its share of SNAP administrative costs from 50% to 25%, passing an increased burden onto states like Washington, potentially leading to reduced program capacity and staff reductions.
- The budget reconciliation bill aims to reduce SNAP benefits by over $180 billion nationwide, impacting states including Washington.
- Some protections for American Indian populations are included in the legislation, but additional federal cuts, like those to Medicaid, will also have a major impact on people's budgets and access to resources such as SNAP benefits. Food banks and hunger relief agencies in Washington are continuing to prepare for the anticipated demand and increased costs resulting from the SNAP changes and cuts.
