You may have already heard that if the current federal government shutdown continues past October 31, 2025, food benefits won’t be available in November through the State’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).
This means that if you are a recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), your food benefits will not be provided in November.
Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW) understands that this news can be concerning. We’ve gathered some resources available in Washington State to help if that happens.
Steps you can take now
Below is a list of tips from the Washington State Women’s Commission to support Washingtonians enrolled in SNAP or WIC if those benefits are not available:
Find your local food bank
If your benefits are not accessible, a food bank may be a way to access groceries in the meantime.
- Find Food: Emergency Food Network
- Find a Food Bank: Hunger Free Washington
You can also check local churches and community organizations that may be hosting food drives or providing food assistance through little free pantries.
Look at what you already have
The possibility of SNAP and WIC benefits temporarily stopping may be stressful. You can start planning now to use items you may already have in your kitchen.
- Take an inventory of the foods you currently have and make a meal plan. Don’t forget your freezer!
- With remaining food benefits, prioritize shelf-stable, bulk, and low-cost items, such as rice, beans and oats.
Take advantage of additional SNAP programs
If you have a remaining balance on your EBT card, you can participate in the following SNAP programs to receive additional benefits for fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you have any unused benefits from these programs, you can still spend them during the month of November.
Other food resources
Local community resources can also help with groceries while these benefits are paused.
Search and connect to support near you like financial assistance, food banks, and other community programs with CHPW’s Findhelp resource hub.
Some additional places to look are:
- Virtual food banks: Making A Difference Foundation (Pierce and South King County)
- Local food banks: Find one near you on Feeding America’s website
- Faith-Based Organizations
- Senior-Centers
- Shelters and local food preparation organizations
- Grocery store donation programs
- Breast milk and formula banks
- Donation based food options: Meals on Wheels, 412 Food Rescue
- United Way: Find your local United Way
Heating, housing, and other resources
There are other programs that can help with more than food. Take a look at these organizations for support with heating, housing and other resources:
- LIHEAP (Heating/Cooling/Weatherization/Utility Bill assistance)
- Coordinated Entry for All – Washington State (Housing Assistance/Shelter Assistance/Housing Navigators)
- Washington State Community Action Partnerships (Varies, Regional, All Resources)
- Northwest Access Fund (Varies, Regional, All Resources)
You can also learn more about other resources available to you in our Winter Resources article.
Are you a CHPW member? Prefer to talk to someone?
CHPW’s Community Health Workers are available where you are to meet with you to talk about your different options, provide education, and help advocate for your needs.
You can also follow our Social Media for the most up to date information about resources and news:
Learn more: WA State DSHS FAQ: Partial federal government shutdown and SNAP