Federal Way community members who access food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see a serious impact to their benefits if the federal government shutdown continues.

On Nov. 3, the Trump administration announced it will partially fund SNAP for November, following two rulings on Oct. 31 that required the government to continue funding the food program.

According to the Associated Press, “it’s not clear exactly how much beneficiaries will receive, nor how quickly they will see value show up on the debit cards they use to buy groceries,” and “November payments have already been delayed for millions of people.”

Cash benefits for November 2025 will still be distributed as usual, but food benefits will not be issued after Oct. 31, according to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

About 75.8% or 16,899 students in Federal Way Public Schools are low income, according to Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, meaning the majority of families in the community will be impacted.

Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell shared in an email that he is “deeply concerned about the lapse in funding for SNAP benefits and the impact this will have on families in our community.” He added that “ensuring food security for all residents of Federal Way remains a top priority for our city.”

In response to the SNAP situation, the city is providing an additional $20,000 to the Multi-Service Center and the Federal Way Senior Center for their food access services. $7,500 was also recently awarded to the Community Caregiving Network and Bridging A Gap Weekend Feeding Program to help meet increased community needs.

“We remain committed to providing all the resources necessary to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the food they need,” Mayor Ferrell said.

The annual Mayor’s Day of Concern food drive last month generated 10,820 pounds of food donations through a combination of donations at the participating grocery stores and Waste Management’s food collection efforts, according to the city.

The government shutdown is centered on a stalemate between Republican and Democrat Congress members over a healthcare subsidy called the enhanced premium tax credit that was introduced in 2021.

The 200,000-plus Washingtonians who received these tax credits last year found their healthcare costs decreased by an average of $1,330, according to the office of the Insurance Commissioner for Washington State.

Open enrollment for healthcare on the Washington Health Benefit Exchange also begins on Nov. 1. The expiration of federal tax credits at the heart of the government shutdown are already causing increased costs of an average of 21% for next year, according to the commissioner.

An estimated 80,000 Washington residents are expected to no longer be able to afford healthcare coverage if the subsidies are not renewed.

This means that Federal Way residents, like those throughout the country, could face both the loss of their food benefits this month and skyrocketing health insurance costs starting in January.

The SNAP cancellation will also result in $33,655,000 of loss in economic activity in Federal Way’s congressional district, according to a report by DSHS.

About 1 in 8 Washingtonians use SNAP. Applied to the population of Federal Way, this means about 12,600 people in Federal Way will lose their food benefit.

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced on Oct. 28 that nearly $2.2 million per week will be directed to provide additional support to Washington’s food banks.

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown also filed a lawsuit on Oct. 28 against the USDA, arguing the suspension of SNAP is unlawful.

For those who are looking to help their neighbors in Federal Way, the Multi-Service Center and FUSION are both looking for cash donations to help them purchase food in bulk for community members that need access.

MSC originally planned to open their current food bank as a second food distribution location, but had to close it because of other federal cuts this year.

FUSION shared in a Facebook post that having SNAP go unfunded “puts FUSION and our residents in a state of emergency, as these benefits are the main source of food for the majority of our clients. Clients work with their case managers to identify and apply for applicable benefits, and rely on those benefits along with food banks and donated goods in order to feed their families.”

They are requesting cash donations, food donations, and volunteer groups to sign up to cook a meal at the Pete Andersen Family Center. More details can be found on their Facebook page.

MSC shared in an email on Oct. 30 that the nonprofit has already seen “an increase in the number of people seeking food through our food bank.” The week before, they saw “client visits to the food bank increased by 13% over the prior week,” and added that “clients have shared with us their anxiety around how they will feed themselves without SNAP benefits.”

“We anticipate that this number will continue to increase when SNAP benefits disappear and with the addition of hundreds of local workers who have lost their jobs due to the shutdown,” MSC shared. “This also comes at a time when food bank resources are already extremely low.”

To help, MSC said community members can support those in need by:

• Making a cash donation to support MSC’s food bank.

• Cash donations allow us to purchase food in bulk, stretching the impact of your gift.

• Donating non-perishable food items to the food bank.

• Hosting a food drive at your business, church, or with your friends and neighbors.

• Checking in on your neighbors and providing a meal if needed.

• Encouraging others to keep their appointments for assistance and to apply for any programs they may be eligible for.

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn announced in a press release on Oct. 30 that $52,000 in food security grants were released in the upcoming biennial budget. The awards will go to three local organizations: The Covington Storehouse, Plateau Outreach Ministries in Enumclaw, and the Maple Valley Food Bank.

“Our local nonprofits are stepping up every day, and it’s our job to make sure they have the resources to meet the moment,” Dunn said in the press release. “I’ll be fighting throughout budget negotiations to make sure this announcement is the first of many as we work to ensure that families are fed, regardless of what the federal government does or doesn’t do.”

For the most accurate and up to date information about both SNAP and cash benefits, visit the DSHS website.

Food resources for Federal Way community members

Call 211 or visit https://www.hungerfreewa.org/foodbanks

• Browns Point United Methodist Church Food Bank: Open the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 4–6 p.m. and also Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1–4 p.m. to assist people on SNAP. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring bags for groceries. For questions or more information, contact Tina Anton at anton524@comcast.net Address: Browns Point United Methodist Church, 5339 Browns Point Blvd., Tacoma, WA 98422. More information

• El Centro de la Raza Food Bank: Open Wednesdays, 2–3 p.m. for seniors and mobility-limited visitors only. Open Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.–noon and 2:30–4 p.m. for all community members. A valid photo ID is required, and visitors may come up to twice per week. Address: 1607 S. 341st Pl., Federal Way, WA 98003. More information

• Family Life Center Church – Community Resource Fair: Held the first Friday of each month, with the next fair from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7. The fair offers free clothing, youth employment support, case management, health enrollment, early learning, transportation, job training and readiness, food, and more. Partners: Lori’s Closet and the Black Equality Coalition. Address: 32275 32nd Ave. S., Federal Way, WA 98001.

• Federal Way Day Center: Provides free showers, laundry (two loads per week; last wash at 2:15 p.m.), case management, and food available for eating or cooking on-site. Address: 33505 13th Pl. S., Suite D, Federal Way, WA 98003.

• Federal Way Senior Center Food Bank: Open Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.–noon. Serves up to 220 families per week and provides extra bread and pastries to low-income housing facilities. Please bring your own bags. Address: 4016 S. 352nd St., Auburn, WA 98001. More information

• Foundation of Life Foundation Food Distribution: Food distribution will take place Sunday, Nov. 9, from 1–1:30 p.m. Registration is required and opens Nov. 2. Address: 2131 SW 336th St., Federal Way, WA 98023. More information

• Four Square Northwest Church Food Bank: Register and sign in beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays; service continues until food runs out. No pantry service is available. Serves ZIP codes 98023, 98422, 98003, and 98001 (address verification required). Address: 34800 21st Ave. SW, Federal Way, WA 98023. Phone number: 253-838-6321

• Multi-Service Center (MSC) The Market at Redondo Heights Food Bank The center offers emergency and supplemental food assistance. Provides food by appointment Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Wednesdays, noon–6 p.m.; and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled in person during open hours. Please bring your own bags; no boxes provided. If unable to attend, call 253-383-1717 or email redondo.foodbank@mschelps.org at least two hours in advance. Missing three appointments without notice may forfeit your slot. Address: 27614 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way, WA 98003. Accepts donations Monday to Friday (except holidays), 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations can be dropped off at either the Multi-Service Center (1200 S. 336th St.) or the Market at Redondo Heights Food Bank (27614 Pacific Highway S.). More information

• Outreach Ministries of Good Shepherd: Provides a free community meal every Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. with help from several local congregations. All are welcome. Address: 345 S. 312th St., Federal Way, WA 98003

• PICA-WA Food Pantry: Open Thursdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., with elder priority hours from 10 a.m. to noon on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Market-style setup allows community members to shop for food at no cost. Please bring your own bags or boxes. Enter through Suite 3 under the Pasifika Youth Center sign. Address: PICA-WA Office, 33710 9th Ave. S., Suite 1, Federal Way, WA. More information