WSCAP SNAP Press Release Oct. 2025
STATEWIDE PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 27, 2025
Contact: Jeff DeLuca, Executive Director, Washington State Community Action Partnership, 360-464-4290, [email protected]
About WSCAP: The Washington State Community Action Partnership (WSCAP), the largest non-state human services network in Washington, represents 30 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) that collectively assist 700,000 Washingtonians and reinvest $750 million into local economies annually statewide.
Washington Community Action Agencies Highlight Rising Need as Nearly One Million Washingtonians Face SNAP Cliff
Olympia, WA – WSCAP and our members are bracing as our communities are on the brink of a hunger emergency. As of November 1, nearly one million residents - 929,591 individuals - stand to lose or see a reduction in their food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provided through Washington’s Basic Food Program, as well as the Food Assistance Program (FAP). That means almost one in eight Washingtonians could soon be forced to live without consistent access to food, including children, working families, seniors, and veterans who already struggle to meet rising costs of living.
While programs at the local level vary, many Community Action Agencies in Washington operate food distribution programs. Some distribute one to five million pounds of food annually and others feed up to one in three of their local residents. Federal cuts earlier in 2025 slashed local CAA food program budgets as opportunities to purchase local food dried up and cuts to AmeriCorps reduced volunteer capacity. H.R. 1 threatens 137,000 Washingtonians’ access to SNAP. In this context of steadily reduced funding and dramatically rising need, the imminent SNAP cliff because of the government shutdown will be catastrophic.
“Community Action will see the impact of SNAP losses immediately. From Seattle to Walla Walla, our members have seen the need doubling this year,” said Jeff DeLuca, Executive Director, WSCAP. “Families are already stretching every dollar to cover rising costs. Losing food assistance will push many over the edge. When families can’t buy food, the entire community feels it: corner stores, grocers, farmers all lose out. Beyond increased hunger and food insecurity, this is an affront to basic human dignity and community stability.”
Community Action Agencies across Washington are mobilizing to fill the gap, but the network warns that local efforts cannot replace the loss of federal food benefits for nearly a million people. SNAP is a proven program helps people meet their most basic needs and serves as an
economic engine. Without immediate intervention, the whole emergency food system could break down.
“At least 1 in 4 Washingtonians already can’t get enough food to feed their families. Over 80% of Americans say food costs are a household stressor. Every community will feel this,” said DeLuca. “Community Action will always be there to assist as many people as possible with whatever resources are available, but the scale of these cuts is beyond what local programs can absorb. We need immediate action to protect Washington families and the communities that depend on them.”
WSCAP encourages Washingtonians to donate to their local Community Action Agency and/or food bank. Residents can find out more about available community resources through Washington 211, DSHS, and WSDA. Parents and caregivers struggling to afford food should ensure their children are enrolled in school meals programs through their local school district. Seniors may contact their local Senior Center about meal programs they may offer.
For more information on how to support your local Community Action Agency, visit www.wapartnership.org