Strickland, Eloise’s Cooking Pot, Thurston County Food Bank, Food Source Foundation Discussed SNAP Cuts and Food Resources for Families

Tacoma, WA - Today, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) led the Making a Difference Foundation/Eloise's Cooking Pot, Thurston County Food Bank, The Food Source Foundation, and other community leadersat a press conference highlighting how the GOP-led federal cuts to SNAP are hurting American families and seniors, and food and nutrition resources for families in the South Sound.

"The Trump Administration continues to shred our social safety net, and take food out of the mouths of hungry children," said Strickland. "SNAP is a critical program for seniors, families and children across the nation. Our local partners can help support families, but the damage from the Big Ugly Bill has been done."

"On behalf of Making A Difference Foundation and Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank, I want to thank Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland for bringing our community together and shining a light on the challenges families face in accessing food. Her willingness to create space for this conversation is an important step toward understanding the impact of these issues and working together on solutions. We are grateful for her leadership and for the opportunity to share what we are seeing in our community," said Ahndrea L. Blue, President and CEO, Making A Difference Foundation and Eloise's Cooking Pot Food Bank.

"Since the passage of H.R. 1 and changes to SNAP, our food pantries and satellite sites have repeatedly set new single-day attendance records. In 2026, nearly 25% of our pantry customers are first-time visitors. We have expanded evening hours and increased home delivery to meet this growing need, even as we receive significantly less food and resources through federal programs. Our community embraces the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor, but food banks cannot replace the reach of SNAP. Protecting this essential program helps ensure that children, seniors, and working families have the food they need to thrive," said John Ficker, Thurston County Food Bank Executive Director.

"The Food Source Foundation has boots on the ground every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors through several programs. I can tell you over the last two years we have had to increasingly ramp up our food service to meet the growing need. In the last three weeks since the beginning of October the need has grown exponentially, especially among our neighbors who are working full-time but still cannot afford to buy food," said Chris Hyde, the Food Source Foundation Founder & Director.

"Behind every conversation about food assistance are real people and families trying to make ends meet. Protecting access to nutritious food helps strengthen the whole community. I hope today's discussion leads to lasting support for the neighbors who need it," said Sheree Staples, Eloise's Cooking Pot Volunteer.

"Food is essential to every family's health and stability. When people can access the food they need, they have more room to focus on their work, their children, and their future. I'm grateful to everyone working together to make sure our community is heard and supported," said Jah Morgan, Eloise's Cooking Pot Client.

Other local leaders Michelle Douglas, the CEO of Emergency Food Network; Stacy Crinch, the CEO of GoodRoots; and Seth Kirby, the Chief Impact Officer of Greater Tacoma Community Foundation were also in attendance.

You can watch the full press conference here.

Since the Big Beautiful Bill (H.R. 1), was enacted, SNAP participation nationwide has decreased by over 5 million people. In Washington state alone there has been a decrease of over 57,000 people while food bank usage has gone up by 9%. 44% of Washington SNAP participants are children.

Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is Whip of the New Democrat Coalition, Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.

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