LYNNWOOD— On August 21, 2025, Washington State Governor Bob Ferguson and Congressman Rick Larsen (WA-D02) joined kids at Lynnwood Elementary to serve free lunches. This event aimed to highlight concerns over food insecurity in Snohomish County, especially in light of changes to federal food assistance programs.
Recently, Congress passed President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which cuts around $186 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through 2034. This decision affects about one million Washingtonians who depend on SNAP for their groceries.
Many families face tough choices such as losing benefits or complying with new work requirements that can complicate childcare arrangements. An estimated 137,000 Washingtonians may completely lose their benefits. SNAP benefits are also decreasing—households could see around $56 less each month. For a family of four, the maximum benefit drops from $975 to $848.
Governor Ferguson warned that the implications go beyond food access. The cuts could create an $87.8 million administrative burden for the state and impact agriculture. Each dollar spent on SNAP generates over $1.50 in economic activity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This bill takes food away from our most vulnerable,” Ferguson remarked. “It’s beautiful only to billionaires.” Congressman Larsen echoed this sentiment, stating that the wealthiest 10% of Americans will gain on average $13,600 yearly due to tax cuts, while the poorest may lose around $1,200 in total benefits.
In 2024, the Edmonds Food Bank served 27% more people than in the previous year. Reports indicate that one in four Washingtonians visited a food bank that year. Many local food banks worry they won’t be able to keep up with rising demand and food prices, and cuts to the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) could exacerbate the situation.
Representatives from local nonprofits, including the Foundation for Edmonds School District, voiced their struggles at a recent community session. They reported a significant anticipation of increased need as families face reduced SNAP benefits. As Deborah Brandi, Executive Director of the Foundation, noted, “Families often have more month than money.” They are preparing for a potential 30% increase in food service demands.
If cuts continue, it could drastically affect programs that help children access meals during the summer. Larsen plans to introduce the Summer Meals Act, aiming for improved nutrition for children year-round.
Governor Ferguson is pushing for universal free lunch programs across Washington to ensure every child gets a meal. “Even in tough times, prioritizing critical services like food assistance is essential,” he stated. Recently, he allocated $128 million to address food insecurity despite a significant state budget shortfall.
Families expressed how food scarcity weighs heavily on their daily lives. Reports from the Lynnwood Food Bank reveal troubling stories—like two kids arriving on bikes after hours, desperate for food.
Food banks, often overwhelmed, are responding to increasing demands. In 2024, they served 175,000 people, a staggering jump from previous years. With the federal cuts looming, experts warn this crisis could deepen, pushing more families into food insecurity.
With the community’s health and sustainability at stake, the situation needs careful attention. Local leaders and nonprofits are actively working to address these issues, and governmental support will be crucial moving forward.
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