Seattle Allocates Up To $8 Million In Emergency Food Aid Amid SNAP Uncertainty

The city of Seattle will provide up to $8 million in emergency food assistance to local food banks and meal services as federal funding for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) remains uncertain. The City Council unanimously confirmed Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Limited Civil Emergency, enabling the city to continue funding up to $1 million per week through the end of 2025 or until SNAP funding is fully restored.

“While Trump and his Republican allies in Congress have created uncertainty around SNAP funding, Seattle is stepping up to ensure no family goes hungry. I appreciate the City Council’s unanimous action to advance our effort to commit up to $8 million toward our trusted network of food banks and meal service partners who are on the front lines serving our community,” said Harrell. “This funding will help meet increased demand for food through the end of the year or until federal funding is restored. I encourage everyone who is able to donate to their neighborhood food bank—every dollar makes a difference in keeping our neighbors fed during this challenging time.”

The emergency funding follows two federal court rulings on Friday that found the Trump administration delayed billions of dollars in contingency SNAP payments. Over 50,000 Seattle households depend on these benefits to meet basic food needs. Although the administration has indicated partial SNAP payments will be made in November, the timing remains unclear. The Mayor’s Office is monitoring the situation and will act as needed to address disruptions in SNAP benefits.

The city is moving swiftly to meet rising demand at food banks and community meal programs. The emergency funds will support approximately 30 food banks, more than 20 community meal programs, home grocery delivery, Farm to Preschool and Farm to Childcare programs, and school-based food programs in highly vulnerable neighborhoods in partnership with Seattle Public Schools (SPS).

Free school meals, including breakfast and lunch, remain available for all students at SPS during the federal government shutdown. Children receiving SNAP benefits are eligible for free school meals. More than 50 schools already offer free meals to all students. To check if a school is included, visit the Seattle Public Schools page titled “Schools with Free Meals for All Students.” Additional information is available on the “Student Meal Programs” page on the SPS website.

To help residents find assistance and contribute, the city has launched a webpage at seattle.gov/food-assistance. The site includes a tool to locate the nearest food bank or meal program, details on available resources, and ways for community members to help.