News & Announcements

Impact of Federal Government Shutdown on SNAP* In Washington

If the federal government shutdown continues, food assistance benefits in Washington will end on Oct. 31, 2025. Losing food assistance will have devastating impacts on the well-being of hundreds of thousands of Washington residents and will hurt local economies across the state. DSHS has more information about the impacts as well as what clients can do to prepare for the loss of benefits.

* The federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is being defunded if the government shutdown continues to November 2025. Washington state runs an identical state-funded Food Assistance Program that supports legal immigrants who are not eligible for SNAP. FAP will also not issue benefits in November. Together, the programs are known as Basic Food in Washington. The numbers included in these messages refer to the Basic Food caseload and costs.

Developed by the Washington Economic Justice Alliance team, this infographic provides a visual representation of the impacts of the shutdown on SNAP recipients and everyone in Washington state:

Resources for families and individuals affected: 

211

Are you or your family impacted by the continued federal government shutdown? We understand this is a stressful time for many Washingtonians. You can find local food banks and other resources through Washington 211. Call 211 or visit wa211.org to learn more.

DSHS Reduced-Cost Service Guide‍

Are you or your family impacted by the continued federal government shutdown? With the costs for groceries and daily living expenses continue to be high, this is a stressful time for many people and families. We encourage people to connect with local resources as much as possible. This DSHS reduced-cost services guide might be helpful to you or someone you know.

Child Nutrition & Education Benefit Application

Food Banks and Meal Programs Across Washington State

NACDD: Protecting Your Benefits During Snap Suspension

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What does this mean for Washington State specifically? Washington state impacts

• According to the USDA, every $1 spent in SNAP benefits generates $1.54 in economic activity. In September 2025, Washington state issued more than $173 million in SNAP benefits, according to DSHS data.
• If the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 31, communities throughout the state will lose more than $265 million in economic activity in November, with the deepest impacts in rural Washington.
• This has downstream effects on grocery store workers, local farmers who supply stores and markets, and more.
• The loss of SNAP will put additional burden on an already strained food system. Inflation has made groceries increasingly unaffordable and worsened food insecurity.
• If SNAP benefits end, already strained food banks and local emergency food programs will have to do more with less because of funding cuts under federal legislation known as H.R. 1.

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