In Whatcom County, food insecurity remains a crisis. Federal funding cuts threaten
SNAP and
WIC-- programs that feed families, children, and seniors every day in our own neighborhoods.
Access to food is the foundation of public health, child development, and community well-being. For this reason, LWVBWC has long supported measures that make food available to people in need (
see LWVBWC's 1988 Position on Basic Human Needs).
How can YOU play a part in advocating for SNAP and WIC? Join the Health Interest Team in planning ways to fight to restore funding for food assistance.
UNDERSTANDING THE SCOPE OF CHANGES TO SNAP AND WIC
In June 2025, Congress voted to
reduce SNAP by approximately 20%, cutting about $186 billion by 2034. SNAP recipients will also be subject to new, tighter work requirements. In addition, certain lawfully present immigrants, including refugees, are already being notified that they are no longer eligible for SNAP. Read more about potential changes to SNAP here.
The current WIC budget calls for sharply reducing the fruit and vegetable component of WIC’s support for new and expecting parents and young children. More restrictive policies on Medicaid and SNAP will also make it harder for families to qualify for WIC.
Read more about potential changes to SNAP here.
WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH SNAP AND WIC IN OUR COMMUNITY?
Here in Whatcom County, more than 10,000 households participate in SNAP. This translates to 92,000 individuals or 1in 8 households, similar to the national average.
Check the Whatcom County dashboard on SNAP benefits for more local data about food access and insecurity.
INVITATION TO ACTION: Restore SNAP and WIC Funding
The Healthcare Interest team is learning more about SNAP and WIC programs so we can develop advocacy strategies.
If you are an LWVBWC member, go to the LWV's Member Forums page and select Healthcare Issues – View Forum to engage in our discussion and efforts to Restore SNAP and WIC Funding.
To help get started, you can check out
HOW TO TRANSLATE LWV OBSERVATIONS INTO ACTIONS with specific steps for translating our concerns about SNAP and WIC funding into action.
