FOOD NEED: West Seattle Food Bank update on SNAP situation, and two more ways to help

| How to help | West Seattle news

With the SNAP funding situation not yet settled, many people are still scrambling to figure out how to feed themselves and their families. We have word today of two more ways to help the West Seattle Food Bank deal with the increased demand for its services, plus an update on how much that demand has increased.

We asked Robbin Peterson of WSFB for that update; she replied, “We only have stats from Tuesday – Nov. 4 was our first open day after Nov. 1 and the non-funding of SNAP. We had a 60% increase in shoppers that day over the first Tuesday of October.” She says a citywide update is expected tomorrow afternoon from the Seattle Food Committee. And here’s why the situation is even more dire for those in need: “Area food banks learned yesterday that while SNAP is being funded at the 50% level for November, that will not result in families receiving half of their benefits. Instead, the USDA is decreasing the maximum SNAP allotment by half, then calculating benefits as normal using this lower ceiling. With this formula, most SNAP recipients will receive far less than half their normal benefit. Between court proceedings and the time needed for DSHS to recalculate November benefits, SNAP recipients will experience a significant delay – in addition to less funding – in food assistance this month.”

So here are two more ways to help WSFB help more neighbors than ever:

THRIFTWAY MATCH TONIGHT: Compiling some advance information for tonight’s West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) Holiday Taste (4-7 pm), we learned the store is matching monetary donations made at checkouts during the event – that means your money will count double!

PCC FOOD/$ DRIVE STARTS FRIDAY: Announced by WSFB, PCC-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is expanding its planned WSFB-support drive:

Starting this Friday, November 7, and now running through the end of the month, Admiral PCC will be hosting a food drive to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

Shoppers can support neighbors facing food insecurity by purchasing for donation shelf-stable items or making a financial contribution.

West Seattle Food Bank representatives will be on site Saturday Nov. 8th and Sunday Nov. 9th to connect with shoppers, answer questions, and share information about how to receive help or get involved during this critical time.

The third PCC food drive of the year in support of WSFB, this one comes at a critical time when food banks are under increased pressure to provide additional nutrition to families who rely on SNAP benefits.

You can of course donate directly to WSFB online here. Part of our area also is served by the White Center Food Bank, whose donation link is here.

Amanda the barber November 6, 2025 (4:05 pm)

Gene Juarez in the junction has WSFB donation box if you are looking for a place to drop off donations.

Lauren November 6, 2025 (6:27 pm)

Thanks again for being an incredible community resource during these tough times.

herongrrrl November 6, 2025 (9:20 pm)

If you have money to purchase extra food to donate, I highly encourage you to just donate it directly instead. Food Banks can do a lot more with $5 or $10 than we can as individuals, so even if it isn’t a lot please consider just donating funds.

George November 7, 2025 (7:12 am)

I received my full amount of food stamps sometime overnight. I usually get them at 6 am on the 6th of the month. So they where less than 24 hrs late. I dont know why the media keeps reporting only half of the benefits will be paid. Trump said it would to much work to recalculate everything and to just pay it in full. So either they got the money together or somepeople are getting different amounts. I dout they would give me my full amount and others. It needs to be reported properly. Trump pays food stamps only 24 hrs late even during a government shutdown. Thank you Mr President for picking up the slack!

WSB November 7, 2025 (5:19 pm)

The state finally confirmed late today that SNAP benefits are coming in. However, the court case is not fully settled. News release excerpt:

… So far, households that were scheduled to receive their monthly benefits between Nov. 1 and Nov. 7 have received 100 percent of their SNAP benefits for November. That is more than 250,000 households across Washington. At this time, the remaining beneficiaries are expected to receive the entirety of their November food assistance on the date when those funds are typically issued. However, the Trump Administration immediately asked the Court of Appeals to put the federal court’s decision on hold. The appeals decision is pending. In short, the future of these benefits remains uncertain. …

(7 pm addition: And with the US Supreme Court ruling, it’s back up in the air. An AP roundup explains that our state and several others were ready to tap into the funding when it was – at least temporarily – released, but others weren’t.)

Shelby November 7, 2025 (10:06 am)

I wanted to update everyone on West Seattle Thriftway’s matching funds drive last night at our first Holiday Local Taste event of the year. Thanks to our generous customers, we raised $6,051.12 last night! This was matched by the store, so we will be sending the West Seattle Food Bank a donation of $12,102.24 just from last night!

We now have a new goal – we’re continuing to encourage cash and food donations through this weekend and are hoping to raise a grand total of $20,000 for the Food Bank to help our neighbors in need. With your generosity so far and last night’s special store match, we are already most of the way there. It’s exciting to see what our community can do for each other in challenging times. Everyone is invited to stop by this weekend, say hello, and contribute. Who knows – maybe we’ll surpass even $20 K raised, and wouldn’t that be thrilling!

IDC9 November 7, 2025 (1:01 pm)

A very good reason to shop local this weekend! Independent grocery stores for the win!

James November 9, 2025 (1:29 pm)

Falafel Salam in the Junction has stepped up, too. They’re offering meals at no charge to folks who ask for the “family plan”Aubrey and crew making our community a better place. Their decency, combined with great food, make them a place I support.

Shelby November 12, 2025 (2:57 pm)

Hi, everyone! I wanted to let y’all know the final outcome of our food bank drive last week. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our customers and management, we were able to raise over 300 lbs of food and $14,194.24 in cash to support the West Seattle Food Bank. In addition, one of our vendors was inspired to make a very substantial donation of food directly to the food bank as well. We are so proud to be your local grocery store!! What a wonderful community we have here in West Seattle.

Sorry, comment time is over.