Snohomish County is stepping up to address food access issues for its residents. The county has announced a temporary fund of $300,000 to help those in need, especially as federal food assistance programs like SNAP are currently paused.
The county plans to distribute this money through family resource centers and the Food Coalition, which aids local food banks. About $200,000 will be shared equally among ten family resource centers across the area. This support is aimed at those who have lost their SNAP benefits. Notably, $100,000 is earmarked for older adults aged 55 and above.
“This funding is crucial for the 77,000 individuals who rely on SNAP, along with many others needing food support,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. He acknowledged that while local government efforts can’t replace federal support completely, they are committed to meeting the needs of residents.
Third District Councilmember Strom Peterson added, “These centers are essential for families facing food shortages. This investment supports both our children and our community.”
In a similar vein, Fourth District Councilmember Jared Mead emphasized that everyone in Snohomish County deserves access to food. He encouraged residents to reach out to local resource centers or food banks if they need assistance and invited those who can to donate to these organizations.
This temporary funding comes at a crucial time, as many residents face uncertainty. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of people relying on food assistance has increased over recent years. In 2022, approximately 42 million Americans were enrolled in SNAP.
For more resources and information about food assistance in Snohomish County, check out the official site here.
