Snohomish County Food Banks Face Crisis: Demand Surges as Federal Cuts Bite
EVERETT, WA — The heart of Snohomish County is beating with a growing concern as federal cuts to food deliveries and assistance programs are sending shockwaves through local food banks. With record demand already straining resources to the limit, these changes threaten to exacerbate food insecurity in a community already grappling with hunger.
The Impact of Funding Cuts on Food Supplies
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had initially earmarked $500 million for food assistance programs in fiscal year 2025 through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP). However, as reported by Politico last week, numerous deliveries have been abruptly canceled.
One significant cancellation directly affects Washington State: a crucial $4.7 million food delivery scheduled from April to June was placed under review in February, as confirmed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s spokesperson, Daniel Schafer. The loss of this delivery means vital staples such as milk, canned chicken, turkey, and dried fruits won’t be reaching the food banks, severely impacting their ability to serve the community.
Local Food Banks in Crisis Mode
The cuts are part of a larger trend, including the cancellation of funding from two USDA programs that had provided nearly $1 billion for local food purchases. One of these programs, aimed to supply $8.5 million to Washington State, is now lost. With over 80,000 people facing food insecurity in Snohomish County alone in 2022, as noted by data from Feeding America, the stakes have never been higher.
John Glennon, Executive Director of Hunger Prevention Services at Volunteers of America Western Washington, emphasized the growing need for food assistance. “The number of people visiting the food banks is at the highest level I’ve seen since 2008,” he lamented, highlighting the urgent needs in the community. “More cuts will lead to more hungry people,” he added succinctly.
Behind the Scenes: Planning Amid Uncertainty
Local food banks like Edmonds and Arlington are feeling the pinch. Edmonds Food Bank’s staff meticulously plans their food deliveries months in advance based on schedules for fresh local produce. However, as spokesperson Kelly Lewis noted, the possibility of sudden cuts creates chaos in planning and could jeopardize the variety of nutritious options they strive to provide.
Arlington Food Bank’s Executive Director Carla Rankin shared that they are working harder than ever to fill funding gaps through private donations, but even those efforts may not suffice. “Cuts to key USDA programs are not just numbers on a page—they mean meals off the table for families, seniors, veterans, and children in our community,” Rankin explained.
The Need for Community Support
The Concern For Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace has seen its client base nearly double since the COVID-19 pandemic. Spokesperson Carla Brown warned, “With these cuts, we will have to limit the nourishing food we distribute, impacting many families’ access to healthy options.” The ripple effect of funding reductions is becoming painfully evident.
Navigating Forward: Food Banks Call for Action
Food banks across Snohomish County are collectively sounding the alarm. Struggling with dwindling supplies, they are actively seeking community support to bridge the funding gaps. Megan Kemmett, Executive Director of the Snohomish Food Bank, is taking proactive measures by setting up a booth at the local farmers market to solicit food donations.
The Marysville Community Food Bank has similarly experienced sharp declines in food availability, with Executive Director Amy Howell stating, “In my 16 years here, I have never encountered such difficulties in procuring food, not even during COVID.”
In light of this critical situation, the need for community involvement has never been so pressing. The Edmonds Food Bank relies on state and federal support for about 20% of its food supplies, creating a precarious balance as the uncertainty surrounding funding looms.
How You Can Help
It’s clear that the community’s resilience is crucial during this challenging time. Local food banks are making a clarion call for support. Here’s how you can contribute to this essential cause:
- Volunteers of America: Donate here.
- Edmonds Food Bank: Support their mission here.
- Arlington Food Bank: Help them feed families in need here.
- Concern For Neighbors Food Bank: Your support matters, find out how to give here.
- Snohomish Food Bank: Join their efforts with a donation here.
- Marysville Food Bank: Make a difference by donating here.
As Snohomish County faces these increasingly challenging circumstances, your support could make all the difference in ensuring that no one goes hungry. Join the fight against food insecurity today!
