Seattle council approves up to $8M for emergency food assistance amid SNAP cuts

Monday, the Seattle City Council unanimously approved Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proclamation for a limited civil emergency in response to the cut in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that started November 1. More than 50,000 people in Seattle depend on SNAP for daily nutrition.

Due to the federal government shutdown and the Trump administration’s refusal to make funding available from SNAP’s contingency fund, Harrell’s executive action provides up to $4 million per month in food assistance that will include city-contracted food banks through the end of the year or until SNAP benefits are restored.

“While Trump and his Republican allies in Congress have created uncertainty around SNAP funding, Seattle is stepping up to ensure no family goes hungry. I appreciate the City Council’s unanimous action to advance our effort to commit up to $8 million toward our trusted network of food banks and meal service partners who are on the front lines serving our community,” Harrell said. “This funding will help meet increased demand for food through the end of the year or until federal funding is restored. I encourage everyone who is able to donate to their neighborhood food bank. Every dollar makes a difference in keeping our neighbors fed during this challenging time.”

“We won’t let people go hungry – it’s not an option, $8 million to our food banks and meal programs is essential. Seattle will continue to step up even as our federal government steps back,” Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck said.

Seattle City Council holds emergency meeting

Following the mayor’s proclamation last week, the council held an emergency meeting. The vote was 9-0.

“No one in Seattle should ever have to fear where their next meal is coming from. That’s why the City of Seattle is taking decisive action today. I appreciate the mayor for moving quickly to support our community partners who are stepping up to fill the need. This situation is another clear example of the unnecessary and cruel policies placed on our communities by the Trump administration,” Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson said.

The money to pay for the emergency will come from the city’s $85 million discretionary Subfund. Council members are also asking all of us to look out for each other. Donate, volunteer, or just check on your neighbor. Make sure they have food to eat.

“When our neighbors lose access to food benefits, it becomes a city emergency. Using emergency funding to help families bridge the gap left by federal SNAP cuts is the right and responsible thing to do. No one in Seattle should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table,” Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth said.

The city has launched a consolidated SNAP webpage that includes a search tool to find the nearest food bank or meal program, information on other available resources, and ways to help.

Washington has joined a lawsuit with 24 other states and Washington, D.C., to make contingency funds available for program recipients.

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