When SNAP benefits were disrupted November 1 amid the federal shutdown, tens of thousands of Seattle residents were suddenly left scared and wondering how they would afford to feed their families for unforeseeable future.

On October 30, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed a limited civil emergency in response to the Trump administration’s decision not to fund SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown. Through this executive action, the City made $1 million in emergency funding available per week to contracted agencies to meet increased food demand citywide.

This swift response allowed emergency food assistance to quickly reach dozens of food banks, community meal programs home grocery delivery services, Farm to Preschool & Farm to Childcare programs, and school-based food distribu

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