Starting November 1, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will run out of funding due to the government shutdown. Despite a ruling that the Trump administration would have to fund the program through contingency funds, delays are expected. Food access is a critical component for educational justice.
According to the Governor’s Office, nearly 1 million Washingtonians rely on the federal SNAP program. Many Southeast Seattle families will be impacted by these delays. These Southeast Seattle Education Coalition members have existing food banks and programs that continue to support the community. Find out ways to locate these services or donate cash and food/personal care supplies below.
Asian Counseling and Referral Service Food Bank:
Address: 800 S Weller St, Seattle, WA 98104.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 1 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays
Alliance for Education Right Now Needs Fund:
The Right Now Needs Fund supports immediate, basic needs like clothing, meals, shelter, utilities and more. If you or someone you know has an unmet basic need, please reach out to your Seattle Public Schools principal, family support worker or school counselor.
How you can help:
Donations made to the Fund during the month of November will be rapidly distributed to students and families impacted by the loss of the federal SNAP benefit. $10 provides one meal for a student, $50 provides food for the week and $500 covers an entire month for a family. Read more about our emergency response.
El Centro de la Raza Food Bank:
Address: 2524 16th Ave S Seattle, WA 98144
Hours:
Wednesdays: Open exclusively for seniors and mobility-limited individuals from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Thursdays: Open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
Fridays: Open from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
How you can help:
Donate most needed food and personal items:
Drop-off Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Rice (1-2 lb bags, not bulk)
- Beans (canned or dry)
- Canned goods: fish, chicken, vegetables, fruit, soup (labeled)
- Condiments: peanut butter, jam, salsa, Nutella (sealed, non-refrigerated)
- Bread and shelf-stable milk
- Drinks: juice, bottled water, tea, coffee
- Snacks: granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers
- Oatmeal (packets or cartons)
- Personal Care Items Also Needed
- Toothpaste and individually wrapped toothbrushes
- Mini soaps and shampoo
- Antiseptic wipes
- Baby formula and baby products
Filipino Community of Seattle Meals and Food Bank
Location: 5740 Martin Luther King Jr Way S Seattle, WA 98118
Hours: 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM , Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Seattle World School Free Shelf: clothes, pencils, school supplies snacks and more
Open to: Seattle World School Students
Rainier Beach Action Coalition Food Hub
Address: 9013 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98118
Hours:10 am – 4 pm, Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Food delivery and to-go food bag for persons without access to a kitchen and in need of pre-prepared foods. Must sign up on the waitlist for food delivery.
King County Resource:
Find a food pantry or meal program near you:
maps.seattle.gov/humanservices/foodresources/
How you can help:
Suggested donations:
- Cash
- Fresh fruit and veggies
- Peanut butter/nut butters
- Canned tuna & chicken
- Canned beans & lentils
- Brown rice, whole grain pasta
- Shelf-stable milk
- Baby formula/food
- Cooking oils
Have a program to add? Email [email protected]