Disruptions to SNAP benefits during the recent government shutdown left families in Whatcom County scrambling. Many were unsure how long reduced assistance would last, adding to existing barriers to food access, especially in rural areas.
For Bellingham resident Rachael Haycox, 32, SNAP is critical for managing her 11-year-old son’s Type 1 diabetes. When her benefits were delayed, she worried about how to buy the right foods for his health. “Eating the right things isn’t just important—it’s essential,” she said. While she sought help from community resources, many options weren’t suitable for her son’s specific dietary needs.
After the shutdown on October 1, confusion arose about the November benefits. Some families experienced disruptions in their payments, leaving food banks uncertain about how long their resources would last.
Henry Fisher, executive director of Foothills Food Bank, noted that geography deeply impacts food access in East Whatcom. Designated as a “low-income and low-access” area by the USDA, many residents face a long journey to the nearest grocery store, often requiring a vehicle or a challenging bus ride.
Fisher emphasized that the shutdown affected the most vulnerable people hardest. “This hits people in ways that differ greatly from urban needs,” he explained. Typically, Foothills serves about 325 to 350 households each week, but that number surged to 374 in late October, reflecting even more individuals in need.
Recent data shows that as of September 2025, about 24,200 residents in Whatcom County were receiving SNAP—around 10% of the population. With many families relying on this support, Fisher highlighted the challenges they faced. “Food banks aren’t designed to meet 100% of grocery needs,” he said, yet now they had to stretch to meet increased demand.
To adjust, Foothills doubled the amount of food distributed and sought additional funding. The community responded; in just two weeks, they raised $12,000, a significant boost for the food bank.
Governor Bob Ferguson announced a $2.2 million emergency allocation to support food banks, although Fisher noted that it was insufficient. “It’s not enough, but we’ll use it,” he said.
DSHS is now rethinking its plans to minimize disruptions in the future. As much as they worked to restore benefits, the emotional toll on families who had to worry during the delays was significant. Fisher expressed concern about future food insecurity, emphasizing the real impacts disrupted programs have on vulnerable communities.
For Haycox, this experience taught her to plan better for any future disruptions. She’s determined to be ready next time. “Next time will be better because I’ll be more prepared,” she said.
The impact of SNAP changes is felt across the community, showing how food assistance goes beyond just access—it’s a matter of health and well-being.
For more context on SNAP and its importance, you can visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP Overview.
