Several Buckley business have banded together to help local residents who are being affected by the government shutdown and SNAP benefit reductions.

Doxsa Nutrition & Social House, PNW Realty, Campbell Tax & Accounting, The Scoop on Main, Hometown Towing, Wayman’s Vintage Market, Riley’s Spice of Lice, Maris Farms, PNW Rejuvination, Arrow Lunber & Hardware, and Rainier Fresh Country Store are just a few of the businesses who have pledged funds for “SNAP bags,” which can be picked up at Rainier Fresh.

The program started Nov. 5.

“I take it very seriously that we’re one of the major food access points in our community,” said Patrick Brown, owner of Rainier Fresh, Buckley’s only grocery store. “… I want people to know that we are trying to be a resource for them at this time.”

The government shutdown began on Oct. 1, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds ran dry on Nov. 1, affecting 42 million Americans.

President Donald Trump’s administration announced it would partly fund SNAP through the month on Nov. 3, but a federal judge ordered the government to fully fund the program by Nov. 5.

The Trump administration has appealed that ruling to block full SNAP funding, adding to the uncertainty of the situation.

It’s unclear at this time if SNAP recipients will receive benefits, how much, and when they may be distributed.

Kodie Wayman, co-owner of Wayman’s Vintage Market, said he wanted to help Buckley residents through these tough times because his family also depended on these benefits when he was young.

“We know how much our community relies on these essential benefits, and no one in America should face food insecurity,” he said. “When I was a kid, we were taught that hunger was something that happened in other countries. So when we were asked to help feed our community, we didn’t hesitate. This is what small-town living is all about — and our big-city neighbors could learn a lot from small-town determination… Today, we’re proud to give back to the same community that gave so much to us. We’re happy to help lift up our neighbors in these trying times — because that’s what Buckley is all about.”

Brown said the bags will contain bread, milk, and produce to supplement what other aid individuals and families may be receiving.

“It’s not meant to cover everybody’s needs,” he said. “It’s just, ‘Hey, we know you’re hurting, this just helps a little bit.’”

While local businesses are supporting this grassroots program, Rainier Fresh customers can also sponsor a bag for $5; as Rainier Fresh is not a non-profit, Brown plans to publish “progress reports” on how many funds have been donated and how many SNAP bags were given out sometime next week.

If SNAP benefits are restored, any proceeds that haven’t gone toward sponsoring a bag will be redistrubed to the Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank and Goodroots Northwest.

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milk, bread, produce

Customers can purchase a bag for $5, in person or on website — doesn’t cover the cost

“We’re just trying to do our part.”

“I want people to know that we are trying to be a resource for them at this time.”