Island groups work to address food insecurity amid SNAP gap
Published 9:30 am Wednesday, November 12, 2025
As of Wednesday morning, the nation’s longest government shutdown continues to affect thousands of Washingtonians — including residents of Vashon Island.
On Vashon, community members have mobilized quickly — organizing donation drives, compiling resource lists and expanding local programs to meet growing food security needs.
One of the biggest concerns has been the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food-purchasing aid to low-income individuals and families. Federal funding for the program was set to expire Nov. 1, leaving many unsure how long their benefits would last.
Earlier this month, federal judges ordered the Trump administration to continue SNAP funding after finding that it had unlawfully withheld benefits during the shutdown.
As of Friday, more than 250,000 Washington households — those scheduled to receive benefits between Nov. 1 and 7 — had received their full November payments, with the remainder expected to follow on their regular issue dates, according to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s office. The administration, however, has appealed the ruling, leaving the future of the benefits uncertain.
“Thanks to multiple lawsuits and repeated court orders, hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across our state finally have the SNAP benefits they need to put food on the table,” Ferguson said in the release.
Where islanders can find — and offer — help
Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness
Vashon’s IFCH is launching a special fund to help island residents affected by cuts to federal benefits. The fund will provide food cards redeemable at both island grocery stores, allowing families to continue purchasing food during this period of uncertainty.
“Food insecurity is very scary and increases stress among families,” Hilary Emmer, a representative of IFCH, said in an email. “We would like to lessen their fears.”
IFCH is asking the community to donate money specifically for its FOOD program. Donations can be made online at ifchvashon.org/donate-2 by typing “FOOD” under “Add special instructions to the seller,” or by mailing a check to IFCH, P.O. Box 330, Vashon, WA 98070, with “FOOD” written in the memo line. Every dollar donated will go directly to this program.
Free community dinners: Offered Monday through Friday from 5 to 5:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church, with both dine-in and takeout options available. Updates are posted on Facebook at Vashon Island Food for Friends.
Vashon Food Bank
Nearly 1,000 island residents — about 9 to 10% of the population — rely on SNAP benefits, aligning with Vashon’s poverty rate. The Vashon Food Bank already serves roughly 18% of the island, providing groceries to about 300 households each week.
Since news of the SNAP suspension spread, donations to the food bank have surged. “People are really, really stepping up,” said Executive Director Emily Scott.
For islanders looking to help, monetary donations go further than food donations because the food bank can purchase items in bulk at lower cost. Those interested in volunteering can email volmanager@foodbank.org.
Services: Grocery pickup is available Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Home deliveries take place Thursdays and Fridays; to schedule, email delivery@vashonfoodbank.org or call 206-463-6332. Emergency food bags are also available.
Vashon Senior Center lunch
Free hot lunches are served Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for adults 55 and older, with a suggested donation of $6 to $10. Meal delivery is available for homebound seniors; call 206-463-5173 to arrange service.
WIC Program
The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides nutrition assistance and food vouchers for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under age 5 with limited income. The clinic operates the third Wednesday of each month at Vashon Methodist Church. Call 206-477-1870 for appointments.
One in the Spirit Ministries
Hosts weekly food distribution every Tuesday at 1 p.m. across from Kathy’s Corner.
Backpack Pantry
Sends weekend meal packs home with Vashon School District students. For details, call 206-369-7439.
Facebook community resources
Join Vashon Island Food for Friends on Facebook, where members share updates about available or extra food on the island.
Vashon Island Growers Association (VIGA)
VIGA distributes Farm Bucks vouchers, which can be used like cash at member farm stands and the Vashon Farmers Market. Pick up vouchers Friday through Sunday at the Library, VYFS, Dove, the Senior Center, or Vashon HouseHold.
Islanders can also access food preservation tools — including dehydrators and a freeze-dryer — through the Equipment Library. Learn more or volunteer at vigavashon.org
or email board@vigavashon.org.
Vashon Market IGA senior discount day
Every Tuesday, adults 55 and older receive a 10% discount on groceries at IGA.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Provides grocery vouchers for food purchases at island grocers. For assistance, text or call 206-450-7577.
