As the government shutdown continues, OICF has been in close communication with partners to mobilize resources and coordinate support as federal funding for critical programs like WIC and SNAP are threatened. These programs are essential to ensuring that all families, children, and seniors have reliable access to healthy food.
Earlier today, the OICF Board of Directors allocated funds from the Foundation’s Community Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support food access on Orcas Island due to the government shutdown. This fund was established during the Covid pandemic to assure that critical social service programs would continue to be supported during times such as this.
Support will begin with grant funding to the Orcas Community Resource Center (OCRC) to distribute grocery gift cards to individuals and families who do not receive SNAP benefits as of November 1.
Starting Monday, November 3rd, Orcas residents who do not receive their SNAP benefits are encouraged to visit OCRC to receive a grocery gift card. The Orcas Island Food Bank continues to provide a critical role in providing access to fresh and nutritious food and is prepared to welcome all community members who need support.
In addition to providing ongoing funding to support SNAP recipients, the Foundation will closely monitor the situation and is prepared to pivot to support evolving needs related to food access in the community as a result of changes at the federal level. We will reassess this support if SNAP benefits are restored. At this time, the WIC program has funding to continue through November.
How You Can Help
To help build resiliency and ensure basic needs are met for all islanders, gifts to CERF will help the Foundation continue to provide support at this time, and in the future.
Food Access Resources and Information
San Juan County Food Access Resources
Orcas Community Resource Center Food Access Resources
Thank you for your care and support, and we wish everyone a safe and fun Halloween.
Lindsay
Lindsay Jennings
Executive Director
Orcas Island Community Foundation
lindsay@oicf.us
360.376.6423