Vashon Food Bank braces for SNAP gap

Published 10:10 am Tuesday, November 4, 2025

It’s been more than a month since the U.S. government shutdown began, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers on unpaid leave and forcing “essential” employees to continue working without pay until Congress passes a funding bill.

The last shutdown, in December 2018, stretched 34 days — the longest in U.S. history. Multiweek shutdowns are rare, but the ripple effects of this one are already being felt across the country, including on Vashon.

According to The Seattle Times, an average of 79,637 federal workers were employed in Washington during the first quarter of 2025.

One of the most pressing concerns has been the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food-purchasing assistance to low-income individuals and families. Federal funding for SNAP was set to run out Nov. 1, potentially affecting millions of Americans as reserves dry up.

Gov. Bob Ferguson announced Oct. 28 that Washington state would direct $2.2 million per week to support local food banks until SNAP funding resumes.

At press time, the state of SNAP benefits remained unclear. Last week, two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to continue at least partially funding the program during the shutdown.

“This is a big victory,” Ferguson said in a press release. “Multiple judges have made it clear: The Trump administration must stop holding hungry families hostage. The USDA has funds to provide these food benefits, and the Trump administration needs to follow the law and do so.”

Whether and when those funds will be released remains uncertain. This marks the first suspension of SNAP benefits in the program’s history.

On Vashon

Islanders have been quick to mobilize. Roughly 40 to 50 residents gathered Thursday at the Vashon Library, along with representatives of local food organizations, to plan how to ensure that everyone who needs food will have access to it.

Meeting participants emphasized donating to the Vashon Food Bank and other island organizations. They also recommended donating to Thriftway and Vashon Market (IGA) so the stores could provide gift cards to those in need.

Concerns were raised during the meeting about the future of the Vashon Island School District’s free and reduced-price meal program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has extended meal reimbursements through Dec. 31, and no disruptions are expected, according to state Superintendent Chris Reykdal. SNAP benefits are separate from school meal funding.

Granny’s Attic, a nonprofit thrift store, also announced it would donate all proceeds from Saturday, Nov. 1, sales to the Vashon Food Bank.

Amy Drayer, executive director of Vashon HouseHold, said the nonprofit provides housing to low-income individuals and families through 166 rental and homeownership units, serving about 400 residents. But the need far outpaces supply — more than 200 people are on the waiting list.

“It’s not just limited to SNAP,” Drayer said. “We understand Medicaid is absolutely in danger, and depending on what happens, if our health care premiums really do experience the spikes that are possible — all of that will affect our residents in every single way.”

Drayer said Vashon HouseHold is supporting its social services as much as possible and helping residents stay informed about available resources, but its ability to help is limited.

“If folks are choosing between medical care and food, and paying the rent that month, we understand those decisions. But the problem is, you know, we also have to meet our obligations,” Drayer said.

None of their properties make money, she added — they all break even, meaning lowering rent isn’t an option.

“We’re the last stop,” Drayer said.

Vashon Food Bank

Nearly one million Washingtonians rely on SNAP benefits, including about 1,000 islanders — roughly 9 to 10% of the population — aligning with Vashon’s poverty level, said Vashon Food Bank Executive Director Emily Scott.

“I would expect that any SNAP recipients who also use the food bank would end up needing to use the food bank more frequently and potentially needing more food,” Scott said.

The Vashon Food Bank already serves about 18% of island residents — roughly 300 households per week, or 1,900 individuals — up from 225 households before the pandemic. Scott said that overlap with SNAP users means she doesn’t expect an exponential increase, but some rise in need is likely.

“We have really been able to rise to the occasion and adapt to the community’s needs,” Scott said. “Without knowing exactly what the demand is going to look like, I’m pretty confident that our staff and board and fundraising efforts will be ready to meet the need.”

But the food bank is receiving fewer donations from partner programs. In 2018, it received about 58,400 pounds of donated food per month. In 2025, that figure has dropped to about 27,600 pounds.

As a result, the organization has dramatically increased its direct food spending — from about $3,880 per month in 2018 to roughly $12,600 per month this year. Despite spending more, the total amount of food available is still lower than pre-pandemic levels.

At the start of 2025, federal cuts to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) reduced supplies to the food bank, Scott said. Compounding that, the food bank lost its decade-long partnership with Northwest Harvest at the end of 2024, after the organization restructured its network to focus on more densely populated and racially diverse communities, Scott said.

“Kudos to them for focusing on densely populated areas and BIPOC-led and serving organizations,” Scott said. “But I feel like that analysis kind of missed the mark about the need on Vashon.”

Vashon’s geographic isolation and fixed poverty rate mean the community’s need is unique, she said. To keep up with fluctuating supplies, the food bank has increased purchasing by 30% over last year and 80% since 2022, measured by dollars spent rather than pounds, Scott said.

Since news of the SNAP suspension spread, donations to the food bank have surged. “People are really, really stepping up,” she said.

Even so, she said the food bank is holding off on additional bulk purchases until the scale of need becomes clearer in the coming weeks.

For islanders planning to visit the food bank, Scott said services are accessible and stigma-free. There’s an intake form, but no proof of residence or citizenship is required — only a name and household size.

“We are prepared to keep our doors open to anyone and everyone who needs the food bank, both through in-person shopping and home delivery,” she added. “We’ve never had to limit our services so far, and we’re serving more people than ever. We’re prepared to increase our food purchasing if needed and to remain open.”

For islanders looking to help, Scott said monetary donations go further than food donations, since the food bank can buy in bulk at lower prices. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact volmanager@foodbank.org.

Where to find free or affordable food on Vashon

Vashon Food Bank: Offers grocery pickup on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Home delivery runs 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+ with a suggested donation of $6 to $10. Meal delivery is offered for homebound seniors; call 206-463-5173 to arrange service.

WIC program: Provides nutrition assistance and food vouchers for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under age 5 with limited income. The clinic operates on the third Wednesday of each month at Vashon Methodist Church. Call 206-477-1870 to make an appointment.

IFCH free meals: Free community dinners offered Monday through Friday from 5 to 5:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church. Both dine-in and takeout options are available. Updates posted on Facebook at Vashon Island Food for Friends.

One in the spirit ministries: Hosts weekly food distribution Tuesdays 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: 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): Distributes Farm Bucks vouchers, usable like cash at member farm stands and the Vashon Farmers Market. Pick up vouchers Friday through Sunday at the Library, VYFS, Dove, Senior Center, or Vashon Household. Access food preservation tools like 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 at IGA, adults 55+ receive a 10 percent discount on groceries.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul: Provides grocery vouchers for food purchases at island grocers. For assistance, text or call 206-450-7577.