Support for UFCW 3000 Members During the Federal Government Shutdown
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As the federal government shutdown drags on, we know many of our members and their families are feeling the impact, especially those who rely on SNAP (Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program) benefits, which will no longer be paid after October 31 unless Congress resolves the shutdown.
UFCW 3000 is committed to making sure no one goes through this disruption alone. Below, you’ll find resources to help you plan ahead, find support, and push the federal government to fund SNAP now.
Plan Ahead and Stretch Benefits
Take stock of what’s in your pantry and plan meals with what you already have.
Use any remaining October SNAP dollars on shelf-stable foods like rice, beans, canned goods, and pasta.
Your unused benefits won’t disappear. Unused balances stay active for 274 days, as long as you use your EBT card occasionally.
WA Programs That Boost SNAP Dollars
If you still have SNAP funds available, these programs help you buy more fresh fruits and vegetables:
Find Food Support Near You
Local churches, community centers, and nonprofits are also organizing food drives and offering grocery assistance. If you’re unsure where to start, call 211 for local referrals.
Resources for Women’s Health, Safety, and Family Well-Being
The Washington State Women’s Commission Resource Center offers a wide range of support, including:
Childcare and housing help
Legal aid and domestic violence services
Health and wellness programs
Job training and workforce opportunities
Financial and Hardship Assistance for Union Members
Union families stick together, especially in hard times.
Through the Washington State Labor Council’s Hardship Assistance Program, UFCW 3000 members and their families can apply for limited financial help to cover urgent needs like rent, utilities, or groceries during the federal shutdown.
This program is only available to union households, and all applications are confidential.
Typical awards range from $200–$300, with a lifetime maximum of $500 per member.
Applications are reviewed as funding allows and usually take about two weeks to process.
If you’re a UFCW 3000 member who needs help or doesn’t know where to start, please reach out to your Union Representative or local office. We’ll do our best to connect you to the support you need and keep you informed as the situation changes.
In the meantime, the WA Department of Social & Human Services (DSHS) is tracking how the shutdown affects other state programs and benefits. Check their site regularly for updates on which services may be delayed or disrupted.
Together, we’ll keep standing up for one another and make sure no one in our union family goes hungry or unheard.
Act Now
A national organization called MAZON is leading a campaign to urge the White House to direct the agriculture department to access available contingency funds, as they are legally required to do, and release funding for November’s SNAP benefits.
Click on the link below to tell your member of Congress to push the USDA to act now.
Find more info about this funding issue here.
