SPOKANE, Wash. — Tens of thousands of people across the Inland Northwest could soon lose food stamp benefits if a deal to end the current federal government shutdown isn’t reached before funding for the food assistance program runs out at the end of the month.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP or food stamps, is only guaranteed funding through October. It remains unclear whether the Trump administration will step in to provide emergency funding if the shutdown continues into November.
In Washington state alone, more than 500,000 households are enrolled in food assistance programs, affecting over 900,000 people who could face food insecurity if the funding stops. Millions of people across America are in similar situations.
Davonne Lunsford, a local mother of five who relies on SNAP benefits to help feed her family of seven, said the uncertainty is frightening.
“It’s really scary coming from a family of seven with five children – not knowing if I’m going to be able to support my family,” Lunsford said. “Even with a job, things have been hard.”
Lunsford has been visiting the Caritas Food Bank in Spokane for the past six months. She hopes community members will step up to help families facing food insecurity if the government shutdown extends into November.
“If you know someone that’s struggling, put a food box together yourself if you can,” Lunsford said. “If you can’t give, volunteer time, even letting people know about the resources in the community.”
Local food banks are already experiencing increased demand. Christine Tabat, executive director of Caritas Food Bank, said the organization is seeing double to triple the number of households signing up for services compared to two years ago.
“We’re seeing young, single women who have full custody of children. They’ve been utilizing our food bank,” Tabat said. “And our veterans and our seniors have started coming back.”
Tabat said approximately 75 percent of the people the food bank serves are enrolled in a food assistance program. The organization is working to keep its shelves stocked as more families seek help.
For more information and to get in touch with Caritas Food Bank for assistance or to offer support, visit www.caritasoutreachministries.org.
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