Port Angeles — The Port Angeles Food Bank is sounding the alarm this week, saying nearly a million Washingtonians will lose access to food benefit programs, including food stamps, if the ongoing federal shutdown continues beyond next week.
The Food Bank’s Executive Director, Emily Dexter, says it couldn’t come at a worse time. She says food reserves are critically low, and the Board of Directors has determined that reductions to food and services are imminent without immediate community support.
That’s because the Port Angeles Food Bank is currently facing a $30,000 per month gap in income, which is considered the level needed to sustain current programs, food purchases, and staffing while rebuilding reserves for long-term sustainability.
So, with the federal government shutdown and SNAP benefits reduced, delayed, or stopped altogether, thousands of households across Clallam and Jefferson Counties are already facing empty pantries and uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. At the same time, Dexter says her usual food sources — regional distributors, grocery partners, and bulk donation channels — simply don’t have as much food available as they once did.
Here’s how you can help. Give today. Every dollar matters and the need is urgent. Dexter said that if just 600 neighbors can give $50 per month, it would stabilize their operations.
To donate or learn more, visit portangelesfoodbank.org