Food

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Nobody should go hungry, and in Washington there are many ways to get groceries and meals. Let's get food on your table today and set up help for the weeks ahead.

Here's the easy first step: dial 211 or use a food bank finder to get food today, then apply for Basic Food on Washington Connection so help keeps coming every month.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

How do I get food today?

• Dial 211 and ask for food banks and meal programs open today near you.
• Use the food bank finders from Northwest Harvest, Food Lifeline or Second Harvest. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.northwestharvest.org/
• Many food banks don't require proof of income. Some ask for a name and address, or just your ZIP code. Ask what to bring.
• Meal programs serve hot meals with no paperwork. Ask 211 for times.

What is Basic Food?

Basic Food is Washington's name for SNAP, the federal food benefit. It puts money for groceries on an EBT card each month.

You can use it at most grocery stores and many farmers markets. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/family-food-and-housing-services/food-assistance/basic-food-benefits

• Apply online at Washington Connection, call 877.501.2233, or visit a DSHS Community Services Office.
• After you apply, DSHS will set up an interview, usually by phone.
• If your household has very little income and money, you may get expedited benefits within days.
• You'll need to report changes and renew on time to keep getting benefits.

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Don't miss your interview

Answer calls from DSHS after you apply, even from numbers you don't know. If you miss the interview, call 877.501.2233 to reschedule!

Who can get Basic Food?

Basic Food looks at your household size, income, and some costs like housing and child care. Many working families, older adults, people with disabilities and students in some situations qualify.

Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/family-food-and-housing-services/food-assistance/basic-food-benefits

• Some adults without kids who can work have time limits unless they meet work rules or qualify for an exception. Ask DSHS what applies to you.
• Immigrants who don't qualify for Basic Food may qualify for Washington's state funded Food Assistance Program for Legal Immigrants. Ask DSHS.
• College students can qualify in some situations, like working 20 hours a week or being in a work study program.

How do I use my EBT card safely?

• Keep your PIN secret. Don't write it on the card.
• Check your balance often through the ebtEDGE app or website, or the number on the back of your card.
• Change your PIN regularly and freeze your card if it's lost.
• If benefits are stolen through card skimming, report it to DSHS right away.

How can I stretch my Basic Food dollars?

• SNAP Market Match. Many Washington farmers markets match your EBT dollars for fruits and vegetables, with participating markets matching $10 or more per day as of 2026. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/nutrition-and-physical-activity/healthy-eating/snap-match-programs/snap-market-match
• Complete Eats. At some grocery stores, buying fruits and vegetables with EBT can earn you a discount or coupon. Ask at your store.
• Plan meals around what you already have and what's on sale.

Feeding yourself and your family is never something to be ashamed of. These programs exist for moments just like this.

From the Bunklow team

What help is there for pregnant people, babies and young kids?

• WIC helps pregnant people, new parents, and kids under 5 with healthy foods, breastfeeding support and nutrition tips. Call Washington WIC at 800.841.1410. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/wic
• The Help Me Grow Washington hotline, 800.322.2588, can help you apply for WIC, Basic Food and Apple Health. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://helpmegrowwa.org/hotline
• If you get Apple Health or Basic Food, you likely qualify for WIC.

What about school and summer meals?

• School meals. Ask your school about meals. Many Washington schools serve meals to all students through community eligibility. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://ospi.k12.wa.us/
• SUN Bucks. Washington's summer grocery benefit gives eligible families money for food for each school age child during the summer. Many families get it automatically. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/family-food-and-housing-services/food-assistance/washington-sun-bucks-summer-ebt-program
• Summer meal sites. When school is out, kids and teens can eat at summer meal sites. Ask 211.

What help is there for older adults?

• Senior meals. Area Agencies on Aging offer group meals and home delivered meals for older adults. Call Community Living Connections at 855.567.0252. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.waclc.org/
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Some older adults with low incomes get checks to buy fresh produce at farmers markets.
• Basic Food. Older adults can use a simpler application in some cases. Ask DSHS.

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Food banks share more than food

Many food banks also have diapers, pet food and hygiene items. Just ask!

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

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Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Federal help that works in every state

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My food plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

My appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 21, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 21, 2026