United Way of Thurston County to send aid to food banks as SNAP support drops 

United Way of Thurston County has activated its Emergency Assistance Fund to support local food banks and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients affected by benefit cuts during the federal government shutdown. 

The nonprofit said in a Tuesday, Nov. 4, statement that the activation was necessary due to mounting demand. SNAP supports about 15% of local families in Thurston County, and the shutdown is affecting more than 1,600 federal workers countywide. 

United Way expects to begin releasing allocations by the end of the week or early next week. 

Executive Director Chris Wells told The JOLT News on Wednesday, Nov. 5, that food banks have reported a spike in visitors in recent weeks, including many who have not needed food bank assistance in the past. 

“Food banks are seeing record increases in the number of households who need their services, many of whom have never had to access a food bank before,” she said. “Food is the most basic of needs and there are a lot of hungry people in Thurston County right now. We can come together as a community to change that.” 

Wells then revealed that the first distributions will go to the Thurston County Food Bank, ROOF Community Services in Rochester, Tenino Community Service Center and Yelm Community Services. 

She said local food banks are navigating multiple strains that are impacting supply distribution. 

“All of these local food banks are facing multiple stressors, which include federal cuts to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs earlier this year, suspended federal contracts due to the ongoing government shutdown, a recent rise in unemployment, delays and reductions to SNAP benefits, and rising food costs,” Wells said. 

Shutdown impact 

SNAP is a federal program that provides low-income families with monthly grocery budgets for nutritious food essentials. 

In late October, the White House said SNAP payments would not be issued in November. Several states, including Washington, filed lawsuits to prevent interruption in assistance. A federal judge then directed the government to keep issuing SNAP payments using contingency reserve funds, blocking action by the Trump administration. 

The USDA, on Wednesday, Nov. 5, issued revised guidance stating SNAP beneficiaries will receive 65% of their standard monthly rate instead of the 50% previously estimated by the current administration. 

Amid these ongoing developments, United Way plans to keep the Emergency Assistance Fund open as donations come in. 

The effort also includes partnerships with local businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations. 

United Way of Thurston County is now urging the community to contribute to the newly activated fund, while also advocating for local food assistance programs. 

“UWTC is calling on both businesses and individuals to contribute to the Emergency Assistance Fund to help ensure our local food banks can continue meeting the growing demand for essential resources,” the food bank said.. 

To participate in the current distribution efforts, visit the Emergency Assistance Fund page.