Dear friends & neighbors,
We’re now over a month into the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history which has been devastating to vital services and programs utilized by Washingtonians.
On Saturday, November 1, funding for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) lapsed. While there are ongoing court challenges to keep SNAP funded, hungry families cannot wait.
Approximately one million Washingtonians will feel these effects, many of them are our friends and neighbors here in the 36th legislative district.
If you receive SNAP benefits or are looking to provide assistance, the Washington Department of Agriculture compiled a database of food pantries throughout the region. If SNAP benefits are completely halted, Governor Ferguson can use funding we passed in the state budget to temporarily boost local food banks.
Washington State’s Department of Health (DOH) received additional funding to continue serving residents in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutritional Program. Funding for WIC will continue through November until funds are depleted. DOH has a webpage dedicated to answering frequently asked questions about the federal shutdown.
As we continue to face great levels of uncertainty our strong sense of community remains a constant. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our offices with any questions or concerns.
In service,
State Representative Liz Berry
36th Legislative District
State Representative Julia Reed
36th Legislative District