Western supporting our neighbors: SNAP program changes

Good morning Western Community,

With the recent news about the SNAP program changes, we wanted to highlight some ways we as a Western Community can support our neighbors who rely on this wonderful program.  The Bellingham Food Bank has been a vital resource in Whatcom County for over 50 years, serving as a distribution center for many other food banks in the County.

Ways to support the Bellingham Food Bank

  • Financial Donations:  Help fund the BFB directly
  • Language Support:  The BFB needs help creating and translating materials to communicate materials to communicate a wide array of people
  • Community Loaves: Bake bread for the community!
  • Donate directly from your garden or volunteer to glean leftovers from farmers markets!
  • Donate Pantry Items
    • Peanut Butter & Canned Meat
    • Seed & Nut Butters (peanut free)
    • Pinto Beans & Rice
    • Boxed Milks
    • Diapers & Baby Formula
    • Menstrual Products
    • Kid-Friendly Foods

On-campus resources

You can learn more about how to support the Western campus directly through various on-campus food pantries

Other local businesses giving back (information posted 10/30/25 in Cascadia Daily)

  • Hammerhead Coffee Roasters (405 E. Holly St.) is offering a free biscuit and 12-ounce coffee drip coffee while SNAP benefits are suspended. Per their Oct. 29 social media post, “Just let us know at the counter that you’d like the SNAP special and we’ve got you covered.” Hammerhead is also hosting a food drive for the entire month, and a list of most helpful items can be found on Instagram @hammerheadcoffee.
  • Tam Tam Pizza(1020 Harris Ave.) is also offering warm meals to community members throughout the month of November, no questions asked. Additionally, they’re hosting a pizza party from 5–8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3 to benefit the Bellingham Food Bank. Those in a position to help can also donate resources including flour, cheese and compostables; see @tam.tam.pizza on Instagram for more details.
  • Iconic Coffee (887 E. Smith Road) is launching a “feed a friend in need” initiative throughout November. Community members with cash to spare can donate via their Instagram (@iconiccoffeeevents), whereas individuals and families utilizing SNAP benefits are encouraged to stop by their coffee truck for a free breakfast.
  • From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 50% of all sales at Cafe Blue (1319 11th St.) will be donated to the Bellingham Food Bank. Per its Instagram, “Free toast and drip coffee has always been a standard for those who need it, [and] we will continue to do so.” See @cafebluefairhaven for more details.
  • Ethan Hunger of Hunger Vs. Hunger is hosting a Texas Hold ’Em charity poker tournament at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 at Corner Taphouse to benefit the Bellingham Food Bank. Entry is a suggested donation of $50; the winner takes half the pot, whereas the other half will be donated.
  • Finally, 1-Up Lounge (1121 McKenzie Ave.) is offering free, no-strings-attached meals to those who’ve lost SNAP benefits. For a free pizza, “Just walk up to the bartender and say, ‘Hugh said to put this on his tab,’” read an Oct. 29 Instagram post.

Food Assistance from the Basic Needs Hub

Are you going without SNAP/EBT in November and need support? Western's Basic Needs Hub and WHOLE Pantry want to help you with additional support during the government shutdown. If you are a current Western student enrolled in SNAP, please fill out Basic Needs Hub's short intake form—priority deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 4 by 5 PM.

The information you submit will only be used to provide additional support and names will not be shared. You will be asked to provide proof of your EBT card when getting resources.