Kira Erickson reports from the Island County Commissioners’ board meeting of Tue., Nov. 4, 2025 for the Whidbey News-Times. Read the whole story.
Summary by Perplexity.ai
With uncertainty surrounding November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit disbursement—expected to be half the usual amount—Island County commissioners have approved $54,000 in grants for food banks and meal programs to help address urgent needs. While a federal court ordered full restoration of benefits, it has not yet occurred. About 5,500 people locally and many more statewide are affected, with food banks only able to cover a fraction of demand. The Whidbey Community Foundation and Island Senior Resources are expanding their services, including free meals for all SNAP recipients and their families. The commissioners also agreed to send advocacy letters urge local businesses and municipalities to host donation drives amid increasing pressures, especially with the holidays near.
They Said It
The commissioners noted that the need is even greater when considering federal employees who don’t qualify for SNAP but aren’t receiving paychecks right now.
“That is placing additional pressure on a lot of these support systems as we head into a holiday that is ironically focused on food,” Commissioner Jill Johnson said.
