SNAP Is the Safety Net—And They’re About to Cut Holes in It

At Emergency Food Network (EFN), we witness the difference SNAP makes every single day. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program doesn’t just help people buy groceries—it keeps families afloat. SNAP is the cornerstone of food security in our country, and in Pierce County, it’s the first layer of protection against hunger. EFN and our 75+ food bank partners are the second.

Together, we form a system that helps people survive.

Last year, EFN distributed 13.8 million pounds of food across Pierce County. We’re proud to support this network—but we can’t replace SNAP. No food bank can. In Washington, food bank visits topped three million in the past year, a 17% increase from 2023. Families are turning to us in record numbers, and we’re already stretched thin.

SNAP provides modest help: about $6 a day per person. But that small amount makes a big difference. It reduces food insecurity by up to 30%, especially for households with children. It helps people avoid crisis, keeping them out of emergency rooms, shelters, and deeper poverty.

What’s more, SNAP is an economic engine. Each dollar in benefits generates an estimated $1.50 to $1.80 in local economic activity. That means grocery stores, farmers, and small businesses all benefit when families can afford to buy food.