Update: 11/11/25

Families have relief for now—thanks to you, hope continues through the holidays.

With SNAP benefits fully funded for November, Club families in King County have a short-term safety net—but your generosity is what keeps meals and traditions alive through the holidays. As food costs rise and family budgets stretch thin, your food drives and donations are helping bridge the gap. Together, we’re making sure families have steady access to nutritious food, not just this month but through the winter ahead. Every can collected, every dollar given, and every volunteer hour makes a difference. Thank you for showing up with compassion and care—especially when it matters most.

Meeting the Moment

Across King County, thousands of families are facing sudden and devastating uncertainty about their food support. As of November 1, more than 100,000 households were at risk of losing access to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits due to the federal government shutdown. The state has since stepped in to fully fund SNAP for November, offering short-term relief—but families are still navigating instability and concern about what comes next. For a family of four, the potential loss of $715 per month in grocery support could mean the difference between dinner on the table and an empty fridge.

At Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, we know that hunger doesn’t just impact stomachs—it impacts futures. Healthy meals are essential for learning, growth, and emotional well-being. That’s why we’re continuing to mobilize our Rapid Response Fund to keep Club kids nourished and thriving during this uncertain time.

That’s why we’re continuing to mobilize our Rapid Response Fund to keep Club kids nourished and thriving during this uncertain time.

Read the media release to learn more.

The Need Is Urgent

About 40% of those who benefit from SNAP are children. Here in King County, that translates to hundreds of our own Club members—kids who depend on after-school meals and snacks to stay focused and energized.

We’re already seeing the ripple effects. Food banks across the region are experiencing record demand and longer wait times as families scramble to fill the gap left by federal support. Without help from the community, many kids and teens could go without consistent meals.

Our Rapid Response

To ensure no child in our community goes hungry, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County is expanding food access at our Club sites and providing direct grocery support for families.

The Rapid Response Fund will:

• Double daily meal and snack offerings for Club youth, ensuring every child receives the nourishment they need to learn, play, and grow.
• Distribute non-perishable groceries to help Club families supplement meals at home.
• Expand hot meal offerings during our annual Thanksgiving dinners the week of November 20.

We anticipate a 30–50% increase in food demand across our Clubs in the coming weeks. Every dollar donated to this fund will go directly toward feeding kids and families who rely on the Clubs as a trusted source of care and stability.

How You Can Help

This is a moment for our community to come together. Here’s how you can make a difference:

1. Donate to the Rapid Response Fund. Every contribution helps us meet the growing need—whether it’s $25 to provide snacks for a group of kids, or $500 to supply groceries for multiple families.
2. Volunteer. Help sort donations, prep meals, or support distribution at our food hubs.
3. Contribute to our food drive.
   We’re accepting non-perishable donations at designated Club hubs across King County to support families impacted by the loss of SNAP benefits.
   • Drop-off hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
   • Donation window: November 7–21
   • Hub Locations: Kirkland Boys & Girls Club – 826 NE 126th St, Kirkland, WA 98034
     • North Seattle Boys & Girls Club – 8635 Fremont Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103
     • Smilow Rainier Vista Boys & Girls Club – 4520 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98108
     • Southwest (White Center) Boys & Girls Club – 9800 8th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Download the full suggested item list (PDF)

Our Commitment

Last year, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County served 30,753 meals and 346,548 snacks—an increase of more than 55,000 from the previous year. This expansion reflects both the growing need and our unwavering commitment to ensure every child who walks through our doors has access to healthy food, supportive mentors, and a safe place to grow.

Now, with the SNAP benefit cuts, that commitment matters more than ever. Together, we can make sure that no child in our community goes hungry.

Join us in meeting this moment—because no child should have to worry about their next meal.