Standing Together to Prevent Hunger During the Federal Shutdown

Right now, families across Clark County are holding their breath. Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has confirmed that October SNAP benefits will continue as scheduled, but funding for November is uncertain. If the federal government shutdown continues beyond November 1, more than 60,000 of our neighbors who rely on SNAP could lose access to their food benefits. That’s a $19.4 million gap in food support for just one month in Clark County alone. 

If the shutdown ends, SNAP will be reinstated within a few days. But if it continues, thousands of families in our community will face an immediate and devastating gap in access to food. 

Many of those who could be affected already access food pantries and meal sites in the community. Without SNAP, their need will rise, and Clark County Food Bank’s shelves will empty fast.  With anticipation of a surge for needs, we are reallocating funds to purchase more food and coordinating with partners like DSHS, WSDA and Feeding America. At Clark County Food Bank, our stance is to take initiative to prepare for whatever the outcome may be. 

When people lose SNAP, they lose more than meals. Without that safety net, families are forced into impossible choices: skipping meals to pay rent, using savings for medical bills, or falling behind on utilities. Hunger sets off a ripple effect that can push families deeper into crisis. We’re determined to do everything we can to prevent that. 

If you would like to help, please drop off non-perishable food at Clark County Food Bank, 6502 NE 47th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98661, or donate online.

Together, we can make sure that, shutdown or not, no one in Clark County goes hungry. 

If the shutdown ends before November 1, we’ll use every dollar donated toward purchasing food for our community.