Federal debt ceiling deal shrinks spending, but critics warn food bank lines will grow

Both the U.S. House and now the Senate have approved the federal debt ceiling agreement. But not everyone’s happy about the deal.

A dozen Washington organizations that work with low-income families are decrying cuts that are critical to food and anti-poverty programs.

“Bottom line, this agreement is going to increase hunger,” said Christina Wong, public policy and advocacy director at Northwest Harvest, a nonprofit that supports food banks across the state.

The deal adds work requirements for adults on federal food assistance like SNAP. Many on the program already have jobs, often in the retail or hospitality sector where the hours are inconsistent.

“So for no fault of your own, your manager changes the number of hours you have that week, if you’re not able to report 20 hours per week of work, then you’re in jeopardy of losing your SNAP benefits," Wong said.

The work requirements will now apply to older adults up to age 54. The only exempt groups are veterans, unhoused people, and youth who are transitioning out of foster care.

The spending cap also limits funding for food programs like Northwest Harvest.

As of April, more than 900,000 people in Washington are on food assistance.