Standing With Our Neighbors: How to Support People Affected by SNAP Cuts in D.C.
As food prices climb and the cost of living in the DMV continues to rise, many families are finding it harder to make ends meet. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps low-income households buy groceries, has been hit by federal budget cuts aimed at reducing government spending. These cuts mean fewer benefits for millions of Americans — including thousands right here in the District, Maryland, and Virginia — leaving many families with difficult choices between food, rent, and medicine.
For working parents, seniors on fixed incomes, and children who rely on nutritious meals to learn and grow, these reductions have real consequences. Food pantries across the region are already seeing increased demand, and community organizations are stepping up to fill the gap.
Understand the Situation
It helps to know what is happening and who is affected.
According to research from the Urban Institute, roughly 230,000 families in the D.C. metro area will lose some or all SNAP benefits due to upcoming federal policy changes—on average those losing benefits could see a loss of ~$187 /month in the District. Urban Institute
In D.C., more than one in five households count on SNAP to help with groceries. DC Fiscal Policy Institute
The consequences aren’t just for individual families: they affect local businesses, food retailers, the nonprofit network, and the local economy. For example, the D.C. Attorney General pointed out that 420 SNAP-retailers operate in the District, many small “mom and pop” stores in food deserts, that will lose a key revenue stream if benefits drop. oag.dc.gov
Food banks and pantries are already under strain. SNAP provides many more meals than charitable food assistance; when SNAP is reducedthe burden shifts heavily to organizations that may not have capacity. The Washington Post
Ways to Support Locally
Here are actionable ways to help, grouped by levels of involvement:
1. Individual / Neighbor-to-Neighbor
Check in & share support: Ask neighbors how they’re doing, offer to shop together, or join a “meal train” or grocery-buddy system.
Give & guide: Donate grocery gift cards or funds, and share resources like community fridges or DC Hunger Solutions for SNAP help.
2. Community / Organizational
Partner & host: Work with food banks like the Capital Area Food Bank and host awareness events at schools, churches, or libraries.
Advocate & adapt: Support local leaders funding emergency SNAP aid and create culturally responsive, emergency food networks.
Now more than ever, our collective action matters. You can make a difference by donating to local food banks, volunteering with groups like Capital Area Food Bank or DC Central Kitchen, and contacting your elected officials to urge them to protect vital food assistance programs.
At WHUT, we believe no one in our community should go hungry. Together, we can make sure our neighbors have access to the nourishment they need to thrive.