As federal SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits remain delayed during the ongoing government shutdown, Ballard neighbors and farmers are stepping up to keep fresh food accessible through a new community-driven program at the Ballard Farmers Market.
SNAP benefits have been paused and only partially restored. The Trump administration announced that SNAP will restart but will pay out roughly half of normal benefits using a limited contingency fund, leaving millions of Americans uncertain about when full payments will resume. The delay has created food insecurity for many families across the country, with food banks and local organizations stepping in to help fill the gap.
In Ballard, the nonprofit FARMore WA and the Seattle Farmers Market Association have joined forces to create a Community-Driven Food Pantry and SNAP support program to help bridge that gap.
Each Sunday, dozens of shoppers use SNAP at the Ballard Farmers Market to buy fresh food directly from local farmers. During the shutdown, FARMore WA and the market launched two ways people can support those affected:
- Community-Driven Food Pantry: This pantry serves those in need at the market and is powered entirely by donations from farmers and the community. Food, canned goods, or produce can be dropped off at the FARMore WA booth on Sundays between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. To arrange a different drop-off time, email joy@farmorewa.org.
- Community-Driven SNAP Program: This program provides eligible shoppers with a $40 SNAP card to spend on fresh food from local farmers each market day. Donations to this program can be made online or at the FARMore WA booth near the Ballard Bell Tower on Sundays.
Thanks to early community support, the program has already expanded its assistance amount to $40 per participant and plans to continue offering help until the federal SNAP program fully resumes. FARMore WA says the effort depends on donations, so available food and financial aid may vary week to week.
You can also donate online to support the programs.
Photo: Seattle Farmers Market Association