Friend of The Arc, we know this is a very difficult time, and it is with a heavy heart that we bring you this action alert.

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—also known as Basic Food—will end for many Washington residents. This change will affect thousands of families, including over 80% of the individuals served by The Arc of Spokane.

If you or someone you love is facing food insecurity, please remember that you are not alone. In this action report, we have compiled local resources, ways you can take action, and details on how The Arc of Spokane plans to support clients during this crisis.

🥫 Food Resources in Spokane

If you or someone you support needs food assistance, here are trusted local options:

Additionally, the Washington State Department of Agriculture provides information on its Farm to Food Pantry initiative, which partners with many food banks across the state and may have resources for locating food near you.

You can also call or text 211 for free, confidential help finding food banks and other support programs near you.

🧭 Support Through DDCS Services

If you or someone you support receives services through the Developmental Disabilities Community Services (DDCS), these programs may help with food access and community support:

• Community First Choice – In-Home Personal Care
• Community Engagement – IFS, B+, CIIBS, Core Waivers
• Life Skills – IFS, CIIBS, B+, Core Waivers
• Residential Habilitation – Core Waiver

Please note: access to food support may vary during the government shutdown.

📣 How You Can Advocate for SNAP

✅ Contact Your Representatives

Millions of people, including millions with disabilities, are at risk of losing access to food assistance during this shutdown. Policymakers have the power to fix this, but they need to hear from you. Your voice matters. Urge your elected officials to take all possible measures to fund SNAP and prevent hunger for people with disabilities and low-income families.

You can call or email your representatives using the details below. You may also use 5Calls or The Arc of Washington's form to send an email to all of your representatives at once.

🧡 The Arc of Spokane Is Taking Action for Our Clients

We know that approximately 80% of our clients receive SNAP benefits, which means on November 1, they will lose that food assistance.

To combat this and help serve our clients as holistically as possible, we are asking you to help us provide direct food assistance to those we serve who need it in the coming weeks.

You can help today by donating to The Arc of Spokane. Every gift helps us respond quickly and effectively.

Together, we can protect access to food and dignity for every person we serve. Thank you for standing with The Arc of Spokane!