Thousands at Risk as Federal Cuts Threaten Washington Food Banks

As demand for food assistance reaches unprecedented levels across Washington state, federal funding reductions threaten to deepen the hunger crisis for hundreds of thousands of residents.

“At both federal and state levels, the landscape is increasingly challenging for food banks, and we’re deeply concerned,” said Ryan Scott, Chief Development Officer at Food Lifeline, a nonprofit dedicated to combating hunger throughout Washington.

Food Lifeline, which serves as a critical support network for hundreds of food banks and mobile distribution programs statewide, delivered over 70 million pounds of food to approximately 1.7 million clients across western Washington last year alone. Despite their vital role, Food Lifeline and similar organizations face steep budget cuts at a time when food bank visits have surged dramatically – up by 24% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

“The reality is, food insecurity programs are being targeted as cost saving measures,” Scott explained. “Nationwide, food bank funding has already seen cuts amounting to roughly $1.5 billion.”

The consequences for Washington could be severe. Nearly one million state residents who currently experience food insecurity may bear the brunt of these cuts. Washington stands to lose approximately $50 million in benefits, while Food Lifeline itself is preparing for a direct loss of around $2 million.

“A portion of the funding cuts directly impacts money that passes through our organization,” Scott clarified. “These are funds we typically use to buy food from local farmers and growers, which supports not just our clients, but the entire local food system.”

To manage these losses, Food Lifeline will have to seek alternative funding, turning increasingly toward philanthropic organizations and community donations to fill the gap. Scott emphasized the urgent need for public engagement, describing this moment as critical for community involvement.

“We’re hoping this situation serves as a wake up call,” Scott urged. “We need everyone to consider donating, volunteering, and most importantly, advocating. Contact your legislators and express clearly that food insecurity should remain a top priority in budget discussions.”

The organization is also closely monitoring potential state level cuts, particularly those affecting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). There has been discussion about possible reductions to SNAP benefits amounting to as much as $25 million monthly, intensifying the strain on already stretched food programs.

As these cuts loom, Scott reiterated the urgency of public action. “This isn’t just a financial issue; it’s a human issue,” he said. “We need the community’s help now more than ever.”