The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) administers funding for various food assistance programs. This includes the state Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) and the federal Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which provide support to food banks and food pantries.
In administering the TEFAP for the state, the WSDA receives food and operational funding from the United States Department of Agriculture for distribution to 19 lead contractors statewide. These contractors provide food to food banks, food pantries, shelters, and meal providers in Washington.
Through the EFAP, the WSDA awards funds to lead contractors in each county who work with local food banks and food pantries to distribute funding for local emergency food networks. Funding may pay for administrative costs; operational costs such as rent, salaries, gasoline for vehicles, and supplies; purchase of food; nutrition training for staff and clients; and equipment purchases and repairs. Listed essential nonfood items may be purchased with EFAP funds, but these purchases cannot exceed 10 percent of the allocation.
In administering food assistance program funding, the WSDA may not restrict the amount of funding provided to food banks that may be used for essential nonfood items, including diapers, feminine products, and hygiene products, to less than 25 percent of total funding.
The WSDA may not restrict the use of food assistance program funding for essential nonfood items to less than 25 percent of total funding, rather than prohibiting any restriction on use for essential nonfood items.
(In support) This change will provide more flexibility to food banks. Food banks were forced to quickly adapt to soaring demands during the COVID-19 pandemic, and families are still experiencing food insecurity at high levels. With the rising cost of housing and commodities, the high demand is likely to be sustained. Existing policy limits funding for essential nonfood items. Removing this restriction will enable food banks to adapt to meet immediate needs.
(Opposed) None.
(Other) The EFAP is foundational for the hunger relief system. The WSDA is in the process of evaluating the program to ensure it is meeting community and stakeholder needs. Many categories of people are experiencing food insecurity, including students, teachers, parents, military families, and many others. Food inventories are the lowest they have ever been. Food banks and food pantries are struggling to keep up with need, so any support that can be given to these organizations is beneficial.