Olympia City Council weighs aid to food banks amid SNAP benefits turmoil

The Olympia City Council is considering the use of council goal funds to support local food banks and assist residents affected by the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to a federal government shutdown.

More than 35,000 individuals in Thurston County are SNAP recipients.

During the council meeting on Monday, Nov. 3, Councilman Jim Cooper said there are immediate shortages on the shelves all over the state, and any cash that can get into food banks would help buy much-needed supplies.

He proposed an immediate $10,000 allocation from the council's goal funds to address food shortages.

The move would not be unprecedented as Cooper cited a decision in Birmingham, Alabama, where the mayor recently allocated $1 million from city reserves for food assistance.

Mayor Pro Tem Yen Huyhn cautioned the council about being reactionary and wanted to ensure funds are effectively directed. She suggested taking time to evaluate the amount and ensure proper allocation.

Mayor Dontae Payne was supportive of the idea to use reserves, but emphasized the need for evaluation before committing the money.

After quickly consulting with Senior Budget and Finance Manager Joan Lutz, City Manager Jay Burney said about $100,000 is available in council goal funds.

Burney offered to evaluate the available council goal money, contact the food banks to assess needs, and explore potential matching funds with other local governments.

The council agreed to have Burney return with recommendations before making a final decision.

Community impacts

Councilman Clark Gilman noted the effects of the federal shutdown and food assistance disruption reach far beyond the SNAP recipients in Thurston County.

He emphasized the need to support not just the most vulnerable residents, but also the tens of thousands of people living paycheck to paycheck.

“A large percentage of our community living paycheck to paycheck are seriously impacted when they lose a couple of hundred dollars a month in food assistance,” said Gilman, adding the residents have included that support into their household budgets.

Councilman Robert Vanderpool also noted the ripple effects of the federal government shutdown.

He shared that a friend, who works for the U.S. Postal Service, reached out to him and asked whether any cities around Puget Sound were considering a temporary pause on rent. There are also state agency workers, whose paychecks are partially funded by federal sources, who are also facing financial strain.

“There are so many compounded effects that are happening right now, all over the place,” Vanderpool said. “As a local government, we have a very limited amount of funding. But I wonder about what can we do creatively, looking at what other cities around the Sound are doing to get through this?”

Local resources

On Monday, Nov. 3, the city issued a statement titled, “Supporting Olympia Families During the Federal Budget Interruption,” which acknowledges the hardships residents face due to the disruption of SNAP benefits.

“The City of Olympia knows many residents are feeling the strain as the federal government continues without an approved budget,” said the city in the statement.

“Due to the federal government shutdown, no November SNAP benefits were issued on November 1, and when benefits become available again remains uncertain.”

The city said the state of Washington has allocated about $2.2 million per week to food banks statewide to help meet increased demand during the suspension of SNAP benefits.

The city is sharing information through its social media channels to reach residents who may be struggling or temporarily unable to access their regular federal food benefits.

Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray said the Thurston County Food Bank continues to operate pantries and satellite sites throughout the area.

• Thurston County Food Bank - pantries and satellite sites are open.

• Locations and hours: org/services/locations
• New to the Food Bank? Click here.
• Donate/Volunteer: Click here.
• Phone: 360-352-8597 

• WA 211: wa211.org/resources/food or dial 211 (nearest pantry, hot meals and delivery). 

• WSDA map: Click here to access food near you. 

Ray encouraged seniors, families with young children and school district students to take advantage of dedicated food assistance options. The following are options:

• Seniors: Meals on Wheels & Community Dining. For more information, click here or call 360-586-6181. 

• WIC (Women, Infants & Children): Benefits in the state are funded through mid- to late-November; Check for updates and eligibility here.

• School meals: Reimbursements are continuing and districts report no disruptions expected through December. Families who may qualify for free or reduced-price meals can apply any time during the school year here.

Ray also encouraged community members who are able to consider donating food or contributing to local food drives.