This week, millions of families across the country are expected to lose Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. For many, this change will mean hard choices—between food, rent, and transportation—and for schools, it may mean seeing the ripple effects in classrooms.
At the NWESD School Safety & Wellness Center, we recognize that student safety and well-being begin with basic needs. When families face food insecurity, children experience higher stress, lower attendance, and greater emotional and behavioral challenges—conditions that can affect overall school climate and safety.
That’s why we’re sharing local food bank and meal resources now, to help school communities prepare and support one another during unstable times.
Why Food Access Matters for School Safety
Safety in schools extends beyond locked doors and emergency plans. A hungry student may have difficulty focusing, managing emotions, or maintaining consistent attendance—all of which can increase vulnerability and risk.
Research consistently links food insecurity to:
- Increased incidents of behavioral escalation and emotional dysregulation
- Lower academic engagement and attendance
- Heightened family stress and social isolation
Supporting families through transitions like the loss of SNAP benefits is a form of early intervention and prevention—core components of a safe and supportive school environment.
How Schools and Districts Can Help
- Share resources early: Make sure your counselors, family liaisons, and front office staff know where to refer families for food assistance.
- Normalize asking for help: Use school newsletters, social media, and classroom communications to remind families that accessing a food bank is a community strength—not a stigma.
- Connect with local partners: County-level food coalitions and resource centers often collaborate with schools. Establish those links before winter breaks or high-need periods.
Local Food Bank and Meal Resources
Below are key starting points for families in each county. Most do not require ID or proof of income.
Snohomish County
- Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition – network of 19 food banks countywide. snohomishcountyfoodbankcoalition.org
- Marysville Community Food Bank, Maltby Food Bank, Snohomish Community Food Bank – all provide groceries, fresh produce, and hygiene items weekly.
Skagit County
- Helping Hands Food Bank (Sedro-Woolley) – multiple mobile sites countywide. helpinghandsskagit.org
- Skagit Food Distribution Center – fresh produce distribution through Community Action.
Whatcom County
- Bellingham Food Bank – walk-in, drive-thru, and delivery options. bellinghamfoodbank.org
- Foothills Food Bank (Maple Falls) – serving East Whatcom communities.
Island County
- Good Cheer Food Bank (Langley),
- Gifts from the Heart Food Bank (Coupeville),
- North Whidbey Help House (Oak Harbor).
San Juan County
- Orcas Island Food Bank and Friday Harbor Food Bank – island-based access points for groceries and produce.
- County resource directory: sanjuancountywa.gov/2377/Food-Access
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation recently published a great article with lots of additional information: Resources to Support Food Access in Schools and Communities
For School Staff: What to Watch For
Educators and staff are often the first to notice signs of food insecurity. Be alert for:
- Students frequently asking for extra snacks, sneaking/hiding food, or taking food home
- Chronic absenteeism or unusual fatigue
- Sudden changes in mood, attention, or peer interactions
A caring conversation, paired with a referral to a food resource, can make an immediate difference.
For Communities: How to Support
Food banks anticipate an increase in need. Community members can:
- Donate funds, non-perishable food, or fresh produce
- Volunteer time for sorting, distribution, or delivery
- Coordinate food drives through schools, PTAs, or civic groups
When schools, community partners, and local food systems collaborate, they create a safety net that strengthens the entire region.
Safety Starts with Stability
At its core, school safety is about stability—and stability begins at home. Ensuring that students and their families have consistent access to food is a direct investment in their well-being, learning, and long-term resilience.
If your school community is preparing for families to lose SNAP benefits this week, please share these resources widely. A simple connection to a food bank today can prevent crisis tomorrow.
Together we can… combat food insecurity in our communities.
