United Way of King County is alarmed by the recent elimination of key federal funding to programs and services locally and nationwide. Those funding cuts have impacted food banks, shelters, and AmeriCorps members who help deliver critical programs like United Way’s Summer Meals, which serves 20,000 King County youth daily during summer months.

“Recent federal actions have led to staffing cuts and suspended operations, threatening to dismantle AmeriCorps and the support it provides to communities nationwide,” said Regina Malveaux, United Way’s chief impact officer.

Below is a summary of how federal cuts have impacted United Way’s work and the work of our partner organizations and grantees.

Impacts on partner organizations

A pause in federal funding to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program means that Washington state has not received a $3,424,234 allocation (including $978,863 slated for King County). This leaves local communities across Washington state without essential resources such as food, emergency shelter, rental assistance, and utility payment assistance.

“Since 2020, over $8,745,497 in EFSP funds have flowed into our community,” said Malveaux. “These funds flow from FEMA through United Way Worldwide and to King County, where a local board convened by United Way of King County then distributes them to organizations providing key food and shelter supports in our region. Last year, 29 agencies received funding.” 

Said Malveaux: “These federal funding cuts are coming at the worst possible time, as the emergency food system is already struggling to keep up with existing demand, while also grappling with potential state budget cuts and the end of a $35 million state-funded grant program (We Feed Washington) that invested in innovative emergency food programs.

“Congress is also moving towards draconian and unprecedented cuts to SNAP, and while United Way and other advocates are pushing back, we expect some cuts will happen,” added Malveaux. “For many families, this will mean the loss of SNAP benefits entirely — making it more important than ever to have a strong emergency food system. 

Impacts on United Way Grantees

In March, United Way surveyed all its grantees about the impact of the federal funding cuts.

Of the 34 grantees and 40 food banks who responded, 20 respondents received a total annual federal revenue of $64,385,046, ranging from $109K to $ 22 million based on the individual agency. This represents 526 staff positions.

Said Malveaux: “We are asking everyone to be bold, resolute, and determined to ensure that everyone in our communities has enough food, adequate shelter, and the resources they need. Our neighbors are counting on us!”