Plateau Outreach Ministries has received tens of thousands less in food donations this year due to government funding cuts, but recently received a small financial boost from King County Council member Reagan Dunn.
Dunn announced last week that POM will receive a portion of a $52,000 grant in response to the uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits
The grant is split between POM, The Covington Storehouse, and the Maple Valley Food Bank.
“Local food banks are doing heroic work to make sure families don’t go hungry at a time of rising need,” Dunn said in a press release. “These District 9-specific grants will help sustain that effort and ensure that our neighbors can get healthy meals when they need them most.”
“We’re so grateful to Council member Reagan Dunn for his partnership and for releasing grant funding to support our food bank at Plateau Outreach Ministries,” Elisha Smith-Marshall, Executive Director, Plateau Outreach Ministries said. “He’s proactive in reaching out, keeps his ear to the ground, and truly understands the needs of our community. His commitment helps us serve local families in need and strengthens our entire community.”
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds looked to run out on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown that started Oct. 1. However, a federal judge ordered the government to use emergency funds to pay for food stamps during the shutdown on Oct. 31, and President Donald Trump announced Monday, Nov. 3, that the program will be partially funded.
It’s unclear when SNAP funds may become available, or how much people may receive.
Additionally, Washington state started providing food banks $2.2 million per week on Oct. 28, and the first grant will be made Nov. 3. It’s unclear at this time if POM will be receiving any of these funds.
Finally, Washington’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food assistance program has enough funding through most of November from tariff revenue.
However, POM Director of Community Engagement Angie Adam said that food donations, not funds, are the nonprofit’s main concern.
“With the loss of SNAP benefits for many households, we’re bracing for a surge in need at our food bank. We have already seen a sharp decline in the amount of food our partners… can provide after federal funding cuts earlier this year,” Adam said in an email interview. “These organizations rely on federal funding, and with that support reduced, we’ve seen fewer shelf-stable items like canned fruits, soups, vegetables, and beans, as well as very limited frozen meats or fish. When both benefits and supply decrease, but demand increases it simply means there’s less food to go around for those who need it most.”
According to Adam, food donations are down by more than 31,000 pounds compared to September to January 2024.
That includes 4,000 fewer pounds from Food Lifeline; 7,500 pounds from The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); and almost 20,000 pounds from Northwest Harvest.
At the same time, visits have risen over the previous year.
From January to September 2024, POM serviced roughly 25,700 individuals. This year, the number of people has increased by almost a thousand.
“And we expect those numbers to climb even higher in the coming weeks as more families who previously relied on SNAP benefits turn to us for help,” Adam continued. “Our concern is not just about the numbers, but about the people behind them, families right here in our community who have worked hard to make ends meet and will now be faced with new uncertainty. We want them to know that they’re not alone, and that Plateau Outreach Ministries is here to help.”
Despite the uncertain times, POM still plans to continue its normal holiday programs as well, which includes a giving tree and a pajama day.
FOOD BANK INFORMATION
If you’re affected by SNAP program funds running out, the government shutdown in general, or are food insecure, there are several resources for you to access.
POM’s food bank is located at 1720 1/2 Wells Street in Enumclaw.
It’s open Mondays from noon to 3 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon.; POM recommends checking its website and social media for open times or other updates.
No income qualification is required.
Emergency food is also available from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the POM office; call or ring the bell at the back door for service.
POM also offers emergency assistance for bills, gas, and rent, as well as extended services; call 360-825-8961 and press 3 to make an appointment.
Goodroots Northwest is another source of aid — and is changing its services at its time.
Previously, people could shop for food at a physical market between Buckley and Bonney Lake.
Services are now 100% online, and will deliver food orders to refrigerated food lockers around Pierce County, including Carbonado, Wilkeson, South Prairie, and the Rainier Fresh Market in Buckley.
You can order once a week by going to goodroots.org, as well as find the closest food locker to your location. No income qualification is required.
The Buckley Kiwanis Food Bank at 127 North River Ave, is open Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon.
The nonprofit requires your name, birthday, and the names and birthdates of each person in a household that will be receiving food. No income qualification is required.
