Title
Consider a Referral Regarding Allocating Funds in Support of the Thurston County Food Bank
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve $50,000 in funding support for the Thurston County Food Bank.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve $50,000 in funding support for the Thurston County Food Bank.
Staff Contact:
Stacey Ray, Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8046
Presenter(s):
Jim Cooper, Councilmember
Background and Analysis:
As a direct consequence of the federal government shutdown, the President of the United States had halted or reduced the release of new SNAP benefits beginning November 1, 2025, leaving nearly 35,000 Thurston County residents without access to critical food assistance.
The office of Governor Bob Ferguson issued a statement on November 7, detailing how multiple lawsuits and court orders, including a lawsuit filed by Washington Attorney General Nick Brown against the USDA, had resulted in Washingtonians receiving benefits; however, an additional Supreme Court decision and the continued government shutdown have led to uncertainty on if benefits will be distributed and in what amount.
The Governor at that time directed that $2.2 million in state-funded emergency food assistance be transferred to the Washington State Department of Agriculture to support food banks in the first week of November. The Thurston County Food Banks received approximately $60,000 in support from that transfer of funding.
The Governor also used the emergency funding to distribute full SNAP benefits for all people who were scheduled to receive them between November 1 and 12. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services reports that as of November 12, no transfer had been directed for the second week of November, and the Department continues to closely monitor the federal situation and USDA guidance.
The government shutdown ended on Wednesday, November 12, after the federal House of Representatives approved a Senate-passed funding package, that the President then signed into law. While many elements of the funding package expire again in January, SNAP benefits appear to have been extended for a year. However, as of when this staff report was published, very little official information was available to know when SNAP payments to most states would continue.
Regardless of when benefits resume, the significant disruption for local residents and ongoing uncertainty has created an urgent crisis for those who rely on SNAP monthly benefits for basic access to food purchases. Recipients have experienced delays, have received only part of their normal benefits, or received no benefits at all.
Local food banks such as the Thurston County Food Bank are experiencing a surge in demand, with as many as 40 new families visiting each week. Prior to the shutdown, the Food Bank had already absorbed a reduction of approximately $1.5 million in annual federal funding. As a regional distribution center that serves five counties, this equaled approximately $350,000 less in support for Thurston County operations. That, coupled with increased demand, has required that the Food Bank limit the amount of food that individuals can take home from each visit.
With additional attention on local food insecurity, the Thurston County Food Bank has also received a generous amount of support from the community over the last 6-8 weeks in the form of in-kind donations, financial donations, and new volunteers. As a small organization with 30 employees, the Food Bank welcomes additional funding to help meet increased need and emphasizes that a significant percentage of every dollar received goes directly towards the distribution of food. Donations received now will contribute to the distribution of shelf-stable food.
Councilmember Cooper, with the support of Mayor Payne and Councilmember Vanderpool, requests that the City Council consider the use of $50,000 from the Council goal fund and other available funding sources to support the Thurston County Food Bank’s response efforts.
Without action, food insecurity for the most vulnerable community members (low-income households, communities of color, single-parent families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and unhoused residents) is at serious risk of worsening.
Climate Analysis:
This item does not affect greenhouse gas emission reduction goals.
Equity Analysis:
The suspension and partial reduction of federal SNAP benefits due to the federal government shutdown, and resulting uncertainty, has disproportionately impacted residents across Thurston County. Communities most affected are those already experiencing food insecurity, economic instability, and systemic barriers to resources - including low-income households, communities of color, single-parent families, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and unhoused residents.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Community concern about food insecurity has risen significantly since the federal government shutdown and the suspension of new SNAP benefit releases in early November 2025. Residents and service providers have expressed alarm over the sudden loss of food assistance and the resulting strain on local support systems.
Financial Impact:
This referral requests Council consider identifying $50,000 in available funds to provide added support to the Thurston County Food Bank in addressing a rise in community need for food assistance. The City Manager will work with Councilmembers to identify appropriate and available funding to direct to this use, including the use of Council goal funds.
Options:
1. Move to approve $50,000 in funding support for the Thurston County Food Bank.
2. Move to approve another dollar amount in funding support for the Thurston County Food Bank.
3. Move to not approve financial support for the Thurston County Food Bank.
Attachments:
Referral
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Website
Thurston County Food Bank Website