SEATTLE — With thousands of families in Washington state suddenly cut off from food benefits, Seattle leaders moved Monday to approve millions in emergency funding aimed at keeping food banks stocked during the federal government shutdown.

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously to ratify Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proclamation of civil emergency, clearing the way for the city to draw on its Rainy Day Fund and Emergency Subfund, to provide temporary food assistance.

Harrell’s office said the city will direct up to $8 million over the next two months to local food banks and nonprofit meal programs.

The action comes as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, remains frozen after the Trump administration declined to release contingency funds during the ongoing governm

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