SNAP is back, but Many Washingtonians Could Lose Eligibility Due to New Requirements
Just as SNAP payments have finally been reinstated following the reopening of the government, November is bringing major changes to SNAP eligibility due to the HR-1 federal budget bill passed in July. This could mean as many as 170,300 Washingtonians being cut from the program. Without SNAP benefits, many people turn to food banks for their daily food needs.
These additional visits come at a time when Western Washington food banks have seen a dramatic increase in visits. In FY 2025, people visited local food banks and meal programs 16 million times, compared to 10 million visits the previous year. Our network of partners reported 2,389,902 unique people accessing food through local food banks and meal programs in FY 2025, up from 1,705,609 reported in FY 2024.
On December 1st, new work requirements for SNAP that were passed as part of HR-1 go into effect. These work requirements remove exemptions for veterans, children leaving the foster care system, people experiencing homelessness, parents with children older than 14, and adults up to age 65 who are not fully employed year-round. These new restrictions could cause 137,300 Washingtonians to lose their SNAP benefits.
The new law also means many immigrants will no longer be eligible for SNAP. Under the new law, refugees, asylum seekers, and those granted legal protection for humanitarian reasons will no longer qualify for SNAP benefits, resulting in 33,000 additional Washingtonians losing their SNAP payments.
It’s estimated that a family of four could lose the equivalent of 360 meals per year – a meal per day.
The USDA estimates that for every $1 spent from SNAP benefits, more than $1.50 is generated in local economic activity as benefits are used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and other retailers.
These budget cuts to SNAP place immense pressure on food assistance programs in Washington State.
During the shutdown, the number of food bank visits spiked dramatically. The stress food banks experienced during the shutdown previews what could come if over 170,000 people lose SNAP benefits due to the new work requirements.
To address the systemic changes needed, it will take community-informed solutions, and work in partnership with government to build just, sustainable, and resilient local food systems that work for everyone.
During the shutdown, we saw the community rally with an incredible outpouring of support for our neighbors. We know how much good we can do together. We’re grateful to work alongside our incredible network of over 300 agency partners who worked tirelessly to support our neighbors and a caring, generous community committed to making sure everyone has access to the food they need.