Food Stamp Benefits Cuts Coming 11/1. Speak out to your representatives!

Hi, if you receive food stamps or SNAP we wanted to let you know that on November 1^st, food stamps recipients will experience a cut to the number of benefits you receive.

These cuts are happening because a temporary boost to food stamp benefits that was put in during the last recession is expiring. If you are an individual receiving more than the minimum amount of food stamps each month you will see a cut of about 11 dollars per month. For a two person family the cut will be 20 dollars each month, for a family of three the cut will be 29 dollars each month, and for a family of 4 the cut will be 36 dollars. For individuals and couples receiving the minimum amount of food stamps 1 dollar will be cut from your amount each month. We were saddened to learn about the cuts to the food stamp program and know that for many people, every dollar counts when it comes down to having enough food each month.

If you or someone you know is struggling with hunger, please call 2-1-1 to receive assistance with finding food banks, other government programs, and nonprofit organizations that work to improve access to healthy, nutritious food.

If you want to speak out to Congress about the impact of these food stamp cuts, please contact your congressional representatives' agriculture (Ag) staff listed below:

Tell them something like this: 

 “My name is _______. I live in ________ city in your district and rely on SNAP to eat each month. The cuts that are coming on November 1 will be very difficult for me and my family. I urge you not to make any future cuts to this critical program. Thank you.”

Here’s a list of congressional Ag contacts to call/email on the SNAP cuts:

Senate

Murray Ag Staff: Sarah Bolton

sarah_bolton@budget.senate.gov

Cantwell Ag Staff: Paul Wolfe 

paul_wolfe@cantwell.senate.gov

House

If you are not sure who your House representative is, visit app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder

District 1 (Woodinville, Redmond, Kirkland) 

Rep DelBene Ag Staff: Ben Barasky

ben.barasky@mail.house.gov

District 7 (North/West Seattle, Shoreline, Burien)

Rep McDermott Ag Staff: Jason Lemons

Jason.lemons@mail.house.gov 202.225.3106

District 8 (Auburn, Issaquah)

Rep Reichert Ag Staff: Natalie Kamphaus

Natalie.kamphaus@mail.house.gov 202.225.7761

District 9 (Southeast Seattle, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Bellevue)

Rep Smith Ag Staff: Courtney Cochran

Courtney.cochran@mail.house.gov 202.225.8901 

Thanks and take care!