As 25 states across the nation sue the Trump administration for withholding funding for SNAP, more commonly known as food stamps, food banks prepare for an unprecedented surge. Washington state has ordered a weekly $2.2 million to assist food banks in preparation. Food insecurity relief can be found in community gardens and working together to ease tensions. 

Nearly a million Washingtonians receive food stamps. According to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), “If federal funding is not restored, DSHS will not be able to issue food benefits after Oct. 31.” 

While funds already on EBT cards remain, DSHS is encouraging recipients “to stretch your food benefits as far as you can.” 

Governor Bob Ferguson announced Tuesday that he is ordering the DSHS to shift nearly $2.2 million a week into the Washington Department of Agriculture, which directly funds grants for food banks.

Food insecurity is already at critical levels due to a mix of factors: remaining struggles from the pandemic and raising prices due to tariffs and inflation. Food banks and nonprofits across Washington are urging the state to tap into rainy day funds to help with the emergency. 

The Washington Department of Health (DOH) will continue to provide WIC benefits through mid to late November, though stated, “Unfortunately, given the statewide budget constraints, there is no additional funding for us to pull from to continue the work without the direct federal funding.” 

Washington state has joined other democratic lawmakers and Attorney Generals in suing the Trump administration for this illegal cut of SNAP. A statement released by the Attorney General’s office on Tuesday said, “Despite USDA’s claim of insufficient funds, the agency has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds appropriated by Congress for this very purpose. 

“Furthermore, USDA has funded other programs with emergency funds during this shutdown, but has refused to fund SNAP, leaving millions of Americans without the assistance they need to buy food. The federal government is clearly making a deliberate, illegal, and inhumane choice not to fund the crucial SNAP program.”

The Trump administration continues to blame Democrats for the situation.

A banner atop the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) website states, “Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance.”

While the USDA has access to contingency funds they’ve previously stated they could use to continue SNAP benefits, they have refused to do so over the potentially ‘legality’ of the action.  On the other hand, research and development funds were used to cover a portion of pay for the military before a private billionaire stepped up to fund our troops. Maybe another billionaire will finally step up to feed Americans?  

At a press conference late last week, Press Secretary Karoline Levitt said, “At this moment in time, of course, the ballroom is really the president’s main priority.” Trump and megacorporations have recently funded the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to rebuild a $300 million dollar ballroom. Trump is currently in Asia amid the government shutdown.

While lawmakers argue on the other side of the country, people on the streets will be doing what they can to get by. As food banks prepare, community members can work together to ease the tension by establishing community gardens, and teaching sustainable gardens to feed our local communities. There are currently six community gardens on King County land. 

**Mavrie has been serving as editor for the ThunderWord since 2024. She is also the founding president of Highline’s Non-fiction Writers Circle.**