Community organizations ready to support islanders whose food benefits may be affected by federal shutdown

Community organizations are ready to support islanders whose food benefits may be affected by the federal shutdown.

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

Community organizations across San Juan County have geared up quickly to assist islanders whose food benefits may be impacted by the ongoing federal shutdown. This update provides information about where to find help, how to support local food access efforts, and the latest updates on programs like SNAP and WIC. For the most current information and resources, please visit our Food Access webpage.

What We Know

Last week, partner agencies prepared for the possible stoppage of SNAP food benefits on November 1^st. A federal judge ordered federal emergency funds to be used to maintain SNAP benefits and to identify additional funding to continue the program at current levels. However, it is unclear when benefits will be restored, and at what level they will continue at during the shutdown.

Another food access program we are monitoring closely is WIC. Food benefits for WIC families are expected to last through late-November. WIC participants will be notified if those funds become unavailable at any point. San Juan County WIC offices will continue to meet with clients in-person for any pre-existing appointments through November and are strongly encouraging people to apply for the program. Applying for and receiving food benefits does not take away the benefits of someone else. Instead, it actually brings more resources to San Juan County and strengthens food access for everyone.

Where To Go for Help

If your SNAP benefits have been disrupted, you are not alone. There are local resources available for you and your family. 

• Orcas Island: The Orcas Island Food Bank has prepared for the increased need for food access and remains a vital resource in the community. If your SNAP benefits are impacted, please visit the Orcas Community Resource Center to see if you are eligible for a grocery gift card. The Orcas Food Access Resource Guide is available here. 
• San Juan Island: Visit the Friday Harbor Food Bank for direct food support. If you have medical nutritional needs or have trouble accessing the Friday Harbor Food Bank during their hours of operation, please reach out to the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center for assistance. The San Juan Food Access Resource Guide is available here.
• Lopez Island: Visit the Lopez Island Family Resource Center or Lopez Island Food Share Food Pantry for direct food support. A Lopez Food Access Resource Guide will be available soon at our Food Access webpage. 
• WIC on all Islands: Many working families and military families are eligible for WIC. Read the full WIC Eligibility Guidelines online here. Getting WIC will not affect your immigration status. It’s easy to apply! Our WIC staff will even take care of the paperwork. If you think you may be eligible, fill out this form or give us a call at 360-378-4474 to set up an appointment.  

How You Can Help

Our community’s compassion and generosity is already making a difference! Many islanders have asked how they can contribute to local food access efforts and support islanders in need. The following organizations are currently working to support and coordinate food access on your island are listed below.

When donating, please consider financial contributions over food items, as monetary donations help food banks manage inventory and storage more efficiently.

Lopez Island

• Lopez Island Family Resource Center

Orcas Island

• Community Emergency Response Fund – Orcas Island Community Foundation
• Orcas Island Food Bank
• Orcas Community Resource Center

San Juan Island

• SJI Resiliency Fund – San Juan Island Community Foundation
• Friday Harbor Food Bank
• Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center

Relevant links:

• Food Access | San Juan County
• Orcas Food Access Resource Guide
• San Juan Food Access Resource Guide
• WIC | San Juan County

About San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services    

San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services is responsible for community and environmental health, mental health and substance abuse programs, senior services, affordable housing projects, and more. The department has staff and offices on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Health & Community Services, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1777/Health-Community-Services.