New City webpage at seattle.gov/food-assistance provides information on food resources and ways to help
Seattle — Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell’s Limited Civil Emergency was unanimously confirmed by City Council. Due to ongoing uncertainty about the amount and timing of federal funding for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), the City of Seattle will continue funding up to $1 million per week in emergency assistance to local food banks and meal services. The City will continue this support through the end of 2025 or until the federal government fully restores SNAP funding.
“While Trump and his Republican allies in Congress have created uncertainty around SNAP funding, Seattle is stepping up to ensure no family goes hungry. I appreciate the City Council’s unanimous action to advance our effort to commit up to $8 million toward our trusted network of food banks and meal service partners who are on the front lines serving our community,” said Mayor Harrell. “This funding will help meet increased demand for food through the end of the year or until federal funding is restored. I encourage everyone who is able to donate to their neighborhood food bank—every dollar makes a difference in keeping our neighbors fed during this challenging time.”
On Friday, two federal judges ruled against the Trump administration for their unnecessary delays in allocating billions of dollars in contingency funding to SNAP participants, including over 50,000 households in Seattle, who rely on these benefits to meet basic food needs. Today, the Trump administration indicated they will only make partial SNAP payments in November; however, the timing of those payments is uncertain. The Mayor’s Office is monitoring the implications of these judicial rulings and actions by the Trump administration and will step in to address disruptions in SNAP payments.
The City is moving forward quickly to support our food banks and meal program partners to meet emerging needs as they see increased demand. Allocations of up to $1 million per week are planned for the next two months or until the federal government fully restores SNAP funding. This emergency funding will support approximately 30 food banks, over 20 community meal programs, home grocery delivery, Farm to Preschool & Farm to Childcare programs, and school-based food distribution programs in highly vulnerable neighborhoods in partnership with Seattle Public Schools (SPS).
Free school meals for kids, including breakfast and lunch, are not impacted at SPS during the federal government shutdown. Children who receive SNAP benefits are eligible for free meals at school. Over 50+ schools already offer free meals to all students – check this SPS webpage to see if your schools is on the list: Schools with Free Meals for All Students – Seattle Public Schools. For more information about student meals programs, visit: Student Meal Programs – Seattle Public Schools.
The City has launched a consolidated SNAP webpage at seattle.gov/food-assistance that includes a search tool to find the nearest food bank or meal program, information on other available resources, and ways to help.
See Mayor Harrell’s initial announcement of limited civil emergency related to SNAP funding from October 30, 2025.