Oh SNAP! What Now?

Oh SNAP!

With the government shutdown on its 36th day as of when this article is being written, federal agencies are continuing to pause or shut down resources for the American population, citing financial stress. One of the most notable of these resources is SNAP, otherwise known as ‘food stamps’, otherwise known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Effective November first, 42 million Americans will not receive their SNAP benefits that help assist them with paying for nutritious food. The government has since stated that half of the funds will be given to recipients, then stated that no recipients will receive SNAP this month, going back to half benefits, and then allegedly back to full benefits. Either way, roughly 1 out of every 8 Americans are on SNAP. If put into the perspective of our high school’s population, that is 208 out of 1664 WHS students that may lose assistance to affording nutritional meals (only logistically. This is most likely not the true statistics).

How Did We Get Here?

There are many different theories as to why the government is currently in shutdown, thus suspending the distribution of SNAP/food stamps on November first. Here are a few popular reasons for the government shutdown:

• According to BBC, Democrats and Republicans in Congress failed to pass a bill that would fund government services. Democrats want the bill to include an extension of expiring tax credits that make health insurance cheaper for millions of Americans and a reversal of Trump’s cuts to Medicaid, a government healthcare programme used by millions of elderly, disabled and low-income people. 
• House Representative Mike Johnson, according to popular belief, does not wish to have Congress back in session because of the obligation to swear in Representative Adelita Grijalva, who represents Arizona’s 7th congressional district. A popular belief is that Johnson refuses to swear in Grijalva since that would make her last needed representative to sign a discharge petition that would force a vote to release all federal documents related to Jeffery Epstein in his criminal case. 

While the fate of SNAP is currently unknown, one thing is for certain – millions of Americans are losing their access to necessary nutrition and the ability to purchase food for themselves and their families.

Will This Affect Me?

As stated before, about 1 in 8 Americans are on SNAP benefits, and without those benefits, millions will face food-related stresses, if not flat-out hunger. While Woodinville is a more affluent community than the average Washington town, food insecurity is prevalent in every community, big or small, affluent or not. 

Student Interview:

Grade: 12       Pronouns: He/Him

My family has been on SNAP benefits on and off for years because of some financial instability, and was receiving monthly food benefits to buy groceries. Being on SNAP was what allowed my family to buy food and still pay for other essentials like rent and monthly bills. 

Having SNAP cut off after the end of the month definitely has created some tension for the whole family. We’re currently trying to figure out how to make cheaper meals, and will be getting enough to eat, but the suspension still means we won’t be able to get the same quality and nutrition out of our meals. 

While this is only one interview from one student, I’m certain that what was said will resonate with many other students and even staff in WHS. The SNAP suspension is something that will affect every community across the country, even our own, so we must not turn away from this issue and these trying times for many. 

What Can We Do?

Being true to “One Falcon, One Family”, Woodinville High School, along with the Northshore School District, gives families the needed resources related to food services. Below are several links from the WHS website regarding food services.

Meal Prices

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Paying for Meals

General Food and Nutrition Services (Includes Contacts)

Food Pantry:

WHS has a food pantry available for families to take what they need. When I emailed Ms Asier, she stated that “Everyone who is a part of the Woodinville community is welcome to use the pantry! Students and families can email me directly ([email protected]) or speak with a counselor, office staff, or teacher.

That’s all it takes. We do not check anyone’s financial status or make determinations of need. If a member of our Falcon Family wants access to the Pantry, they can have it.”

Below is a poster of district food-related resources. This poster is located outside the office besides the cashier window. Page 4 and 5 of this article will have local food-related and general resources.

Food-Related Resources:

Here are some resources regarding foodbanks and other centers in our region. And remember. There is no shame in needing a little bit of food-related assistance.

1. https://lasagnalove.org (A free meal delivery service based on the amount of volunteers in your area.) 
2. Woodinville Storehouse Foodbank: https://woodinvillestorehouse
3. Northshore Senior Center Foodbank: https://northshoreseniorcenter.org/programs-services/
4. Maltby Foodbank: https://maltbyfoodbank.org
5. Hopelink Foodbank: https://www.hopelink.org/programs/food-program
6. Cedar Park Kenmore Foodbank: https://cpkenmore.com/food-bank

7: Canyon Hills Community Church: https://canyonhillscommunitychurch.com/assistance

8. The YMCA and City of Woodinville provide free meals at the Carol Edwards Center. For more information, contact, [email protected]
9. West Seattle Foodbank: https://westseattlefoodbank.org/get-food

General Resources:

• 211: https://wa211.org

• PSE Assistance program: https://www.pse.com/en/account-and-billing/assistance-programs

• Hopelink transportation: https://www.hopelink.org/programs/transportation
• Clothing support: https://www.findhelp.org/goods/clothing–seattle-wa
• Clothing/shoes support: https://westseattlefoodbank.org/clothesline

• Hygiene support: https://www.findhelp.org/health/personal-hygiene–seattle-wa

• Sliding Scale Therapy: https://www.seattleu.edu/life-at-seattle-u/health-wellness/caps/support-services/lower-cost-referrals

• 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org 

• Pride Across the Bridge (LGBTQ non profit resource) https://prideacrossthebridge.org