KENNEWICK, Wash. – As the government shutdown enters its sixth day, its effects are beginning to be felt across the country, including in Kennewick, Washington.
According to the nonprofit Hunger Free Washington, the 900,000 Washingtonians receiving SNAP benefits should expect normal service for October.
However, if the shutdown continues, November might bring service pauses or delayed benefits for beneficiaries and applicants.
WIC, or the Women, Infants and Children Food Service, supports 212,000 individuals in Washington. A prolonged shutdown could deplete the program’s funds within one to two weeks, potentially by late October.
School lunch and breakfast programs, due to their funding structure, are expected to operate as usual for now.
However, emergency food assistance programs, responsible for bulk food orders for facilities like the Tri-Cities Food Bank, might face challenges.
Orders placed before the shutdown will be fulfilled, but no new orders can be made during the shutdown.
Tri-Cities Food Bank may run out of food or operate at a reduced capacity as the shutdown continues.
The next vote in Washington is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. October, 6.
To see Hunger Free Washington’s full article, you can find it here.
