SNAP Benefits Secured for Some Amid Ongoing Legal Battles, Local Community Steps Up to Combat Food Insecurity
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Photo by Maria Lin Kim, Unsplash [/caption]
News by Nhatt Nichols
Some SNAP benefits for November have been distributed in Washington State, preventing a food security crisis for some while leaving others still scrambling to make ends meet.
On Thursday, Nov 6, a federal judge ordered the Trump Administration to fully fund November SNAP benefits.
According to the Washington State Governor’s office, households scheduled to receive their monthly benefits between Nov. 1 and Nov. 7 have received 100 percent of their November SNAP benefits. However, the Trump Administration has asked the Court of Appeals to put a hold on the federal court’s decision, and it remains uncertain when the remaining benefits will arrive in people’s SNAP accounts.
“Thanks to multiple lawsuits, and repeated court orders, hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across our state finally have the SNAP benefits they need to put food on the table,” Governor Ferguson said in a press release. “Shockingly, this administration continues to work to withhold food assistance from those who need it most. President Trump needs to stop fighting to keep food from hungry families, and focus on re-opening the government.”
Local Food Help for Locals
Though Governor Ferguson released additional funds to food banks last week, local people are also stepping up to help fill the food insecurity gap. Small restaurants and bars have created special menus and bulletin boards where people can pre-purchase food for those experiencing food insecurity.
These businesses stepping up to help support their neighbors is even more remarkable, as every dollar in SNAP benefits spent helps generate an estimated $1.50 in economic activity, according to Feeding America. Small businesses are likely to feel a strain if SNAP funds continue to be withheld.
Where to Get Food Help
Editor’s note: Please email editor@jeffcobeacon.com and let us know if your business is also offering assistance so that we can add you to the list. If your business is no longer able to help, let us know, and I’ll remove you from the list.
Premade Food
Anchor Tavern
628 Water St, Port Townsend,
Daily, 11 am-2 am
The "Anchor Meals" board has pre-purchased meals available, no questions asked. Thse meals were purchased at a discounted price by other community members who wanted to help.
Cable House Canteen at Fort Worden
501 Harbor Defense Way, Port Townsend
Thurs-Sun 11-6 pm
When you add to our Buy a Meal, Gift a Meal program, we will match your contribution to support someone in our local community.
Hudson Point Cafe
130 Hudson St, Port Townsend
Monday-Friday, 12-2 pm pick up.
Go to the hostess stand and order the “Shutdown To Go Special” in either 2, 4, or 6 portions. You’ll receive enough pasta marinara and bread to feed that number of people, no questions asked.
Nikki’s Quickie
215 Taylor Street, Port Townsend
Daily except Tuesdays, 3-5 pm,
Just order the “PTLC Meal!” Your choice of:
PTLC Turkey and Havarti Panini
PTLC Ham and Cheddar Panini
Tommyknocker’s
711 Water St, Port Townsend
Daily except Tuesdays, 3-5 pm,
Just order the “PTLC meal!” Your choice of:
PTLC Mac n Cheese
PTLC Soup and Bread
PTLC Flatbread Pizza
Groceries
Jefferson County Farmers Market
650 Tyler Street, Port Townsend
Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm
Show your SNAP card to receive $15 in food credit to use on produce. These funds are available every market day.
Soft Step Farm
Jefferson County Farmers Market
Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm
Rainy Day Fund of $5 per person available at their farmers market booth. These funds are available thanks to customers who wanted to pay it forward.
Information on Jefferson County foodbank times and locations can be found at https://www.jcfba.org/
More help locating food resources is available on the Washington Department of Agriculture’s website or by calling 360-725-5640. You can also call 211 or visit Washington 211’s website for help locating additional resources.
