On Oct. 28, Gov. Bob Ferguson directed nearly $2.2 million per week to provide additional support to Washington’s food banks in the wake of the federal government shutdown. Funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was slated to end Nov. 1 due to the continued shutdown.

Ferguson is directing the state Department of Social and Health Services to shift nearly $2.2 million per week in funding to the state Department of Agriculture, which provides grants directly to food banks. The first transfer was expected to be made Nov. 3 and will continue weekly until SNAP funding is restored.

Two federal judges recently ordered the Trump administration to continue paying out SNAP benefits this month. Washington state is working to digest the court rulings and get benefits flowing as soon as possible.

Nearly 1 million Washingtonians rely on the federal SNAP program, with approximately $37 million of federal funds going to households across Washington every week. Ferguson is working with state agencies to mitigate some of the harms caused by the shutdown. Attorney General Nick Brown recently filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture, arguing the suspension of SNAP is unlawful, per a news release.

When federal SNAP funding runs out, more Washingtonians are expected to turn to food banks and pantries. These community resources are also facing historic demand in the midst of rising food costs. Individuals should expect longer than usual wait times and limited resources.

”I’m grateful for the hard work of local food banks and pantries to help people keep food on the table. If you’re able to support your local food bank, either with donations or volunteering, I encourage you to do so. We’ll keep looking for innovative solutions at the state level. President Trump needs to tell his party to stop playing political games and do their jobs,” Ferguson said.