Governor Ferguson statement on November SNAP benefits beginning to flow to Washington households

OLYMPIA - Governor Bob Ferguson provided the following statement after hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians began receiving their overdue food assistance benefits for November, following the latest court order requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide full funding to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

On Thursday, a federal judge orderedthe Trump Administration to fully fund November SNAP benefits for roughly 42 million low-income Americans, including nearly 1 million Washingtonians. Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island condemned the administration for ignoring his initial court orderand withholding food benefits "for political reasons." In the sharply worded decision, he wrote: "This Court is not naïve to the administration's true motivations."

So far, households that were scheduled to receive their monthly benefits between Nov. 1 and Nov. 7 have received 100 percent of their SNAP benefits for November. That is more than 250,000 households across Washington. At this time, the remaining beneficiaries are expected to receive the entirety of their November food assistance on the date when those funds are typically issued. However, the Trump Administration immediately asked the Court of Appeals to put the federal court's decision on hold. The appeals decision is pending. In short, the future of these benefits remains uncertain.

In total, more than 500,000 Washington households receive SNAP benefits.

"Thanks to multiple lawsuits, and repeated court orders, hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across our state finally have the SNAP benefits they need to put food on the table," Governor Ferguson said. "Shockingly, this administration continues to work to withhold food assistance from those who need it most. President Trump needs to stop fighting to keep food from hungry families, and focus on re-opening the government."

Last week, Governor Ferguson directed nearly $2.2 millionto provide additional support to Washington's food banks in the wake of the Congressional Republicans' government shutdown. The directive aimed to provide weekly relief if SNAP funds were not restored. The initial $2.2 million in state funds have already been granted to 41 regional agencies through the Emergency Food Assistance Program. These regionaland tribalagencies are working directly with 470 food distribution sites to meet local needs right away.

Attorney General Nick Brown filed a lawsuit against the USDAin Massachusetts, arguing the suspension of SNAP was unlawful. The judge in that case, as well as Judge McConnell Jr. of Rhode Island, issued orders last week finding that USDA must use contingency funds to pay November SNAP benefits. The Rhode Island judge went further yesterday by ordering USDA to make full payments of November SNAP benefits by today using contingency funds and other funds.

Rural Washington is particularly reliant on federal SNAP benefits. In Yakima County, for example, 28 percent of residents rely on SNAP - the highest percentage of any county statewide.

While November benefits have begun flowing, the delays in food assistance have already put a strain on Washington food banks and pantries. These community resources are also facing historic demand in the midst of rising food costs. Individuals should expect longer than usual wait times and limited resources.

Individuals looking for help, or to donate, should reach out to their local food bank. More help locating food resources is available on the Washington Department of Agriculture's website, or by calling 360-725-5640. You can also call 211, or visit Washington 211's website, for help locating additional resources.