Janelle Smith-Dozier feels anxious about recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Four years ago, a brain condition forced her to retire. She shifted from a stable income to living on Social Security, which made every dollar count. The $200 a month from SNAP helped her manage food expenses.
With the recent budget changes signed by former President Donald Trump, Smith-Dozier and many others are facing uncertainty. “My family told me, ‘You’d better start a garden,’” she said, half-jokingly. She and others are now bracing for the impact of these cuts.
In Washington state alone, around 941,000 people rely on this food assistance program, which is seeing substantial cuts. The Congressional Budget Office predicts federal spending on SNAP could drop by nearly $187 billion over the next decade. This is amidst rising food prices, which many are still grappling with.
The new laws are changing eligibility; able-bodied adults aged 18 to 64 must now work at least 80 hours a month to qualify. This rule previously applied only to those up to age 54. Furthermore, refugees and survivors of trafficking, who used to qualify for benefits, find themselves excluded now.
About 170,000 people in Washington are at risk of losing food stamps, which average about $324 per month. Existing beneficiaries may see their benefits cut by an average of $56. Meghan Altimore, CEO of Hopelink, emphasizes the severity of the situation, especially with soaring grocery prices. “These cuts are going to directly harm people in our community,” she stated.
Food banks are preparing for an increase in demand. In King County, around 11% of residents struggle to access nutritious food, according to Feeding America. Gloria Hatcher-Mays, executive director of the Rainier Valley Food Bank, described the upcoming impact as “devastating.” They plan to boost their food budget from $650,000 to over a million dollars to handle the expected load.
Many food banks report that the high demand seen during the pandemic has not decreased. For example, demand at El Centro de la Raza’s food bank jumped from 150 to 225 visitors per week recently. “It’s a dire situation for our community,” said Marcos Martinez, director of human services at the center.
Demand is also increasing at Byrd Barr Place, where visits have more than doubled this year. Tiffany Kelly-Gray, a director there, noted that recent budget cuts to programs like Medicaid will compound the issues families face, hinting at an even tougher road ahead.
Hunger relief organizations are feeling the strain too. The end of the We Feed WA program, which provided $35 million during the pandemic, has resulted in a significant budget gap. Altimore mentioned the need for increased donations and local support to prepare for the challenges ahead.
For Smith-Dozier, her focus is on stocking up. She plans to buy canned goods, pasta, and meat. “I don’t want to be caught off guard,” she said. “If I lose my benefits, I need to be ready.”
As more people turn to food banks out of necessity, the community response becomes vital. For those interested in supporting their local food banks, even small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.
