Mayor Harrell Proclaims Limited Civil Emergency Providing $8 Million in Food Assistance Responding to Possibility of Trump-Driven Delay in SNAP Funding

Executive action provides emergency funding to support food programs through end of the year or until the federal government restores SNAP funding

Seattle—Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell proclaimed a limited civil emergency in response to the looming potential lapse in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) starting on November 1, 2025, due to the federal government shutdown and the Trump administration’s refusal to make funding available from SNAP’s contingency fund. Starting November 1, Mayor Harrell’s responsive executive action provides up to $4 million per month in food assistance that will include City contracted food banks through the end of the year or until SNAP benefits are restored.

"While the Trump administration is cruelly abandoning its duty to keep families fed, Seattle will step up to support our community," said Mayor Bruce Harrell. "Our city has a strong network of local food banks, and we're prepared to fill the gap left by the other Washington's dysfunction with immediate action and $8 million to support our neighbors in need. Trump and his Republican congressional allies need to end this shutdown and the crisis they’ve manufactured, so families across the country do not go hungry – full stop. Our city can demonstrate a different path – I encourage everyone who is able to donate to our local food banks — every dollar helps keep our neighbors fed and our community strong."

The City of Seattle is actively working with state and local government and non-profit partners to respond to this evolving crisis and will share additional resources and actions for community to take in the coming days and weeks pending federal action.

What’s Happening to SNAP

Due to the federal government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, announced that it would not provide benefits starting November 1, 2025. This is despite contingency funding for the program that the Trump administration has refused to make available for program recipients. The state of Washington has joined a lawsuit with 24 other states and Washington, D.C. to make these contingency funds available for program recipients.

For the latest information, check for official updates from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Where to Find Available Food and Assistance

To find the nearest food bank or meal program, use this tool to search by your address.

City of Seattle residents can check eligibility for assistance and discounts on utilities, childcare, food, housing, home repairs, internet, and transportation via seattle.gov/affordable

For additional information on resources and services call 2-1-1 or visit wa211.org.

Note: some information may have changed due to federal funding cuts. Check first to confirm hours and availability.

How to Help

Donating money to local food banks and meal programs is the best immediate way to support their operations. Any amount helps. Please check individual food bank websites in advance for specifics about volunteering and what food donations will make the biggest impact.

You can also help those in need by sharing information about available resources widely and encouraging your neighbors to get involved.

What Leaders Are Saying

Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3)

"When our neighbors lose access to food benefits, it becomes a city emergency. Using emergency funding to help families bridge the gap left by federal SNAP cuts is the right and responsible thing to do. No one in Seattle should have to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Thank you, Mayor Harrell for your leadership to ensure protection of health, dignity, and stability in our communities"

Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6)

“Working class families should not be punished for the failures of the federal government. Without action, Seattleites, including children and our elders, may go hungry starting Saturday. We did not cause this problem and were here to solve it. Letting Seattleites go hungry is not an option.”

Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8)

“We won't let people go hungry - it's not an option. $8 million to our food banks and meal programs is essential. Seattle will continue to step up even as our federal government steps back.”

Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9)

“No one in Seattle should ever have to fear where their next meal is coming from. That's why the City of Seattle is taking decisive action today. I appreciate the Mayor for moving quickly to support our community partners who are stepping up to fill the need. This situation is another clear example of the unnecessary and cruel policies placed on our communities by the Trump administration. But, thanks to the City and State making additional funding available to food banks, our communities will have the resources they need.”