(The Center Square) – Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is proposing a 20% increase in food access funding for the upcoming 2026 budget.
Harrell’s plan is to increase food access funding by approximately $12 million to approximately $50 million. The mayor points to President Donald Trump for the increase in food access funding.
The Trump administration has prioritized cutting inefficient programs and reducing federal spending. This includes grant programs dedicated to addressing food insecurity and the largest cut to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, in history: $186 billion through 2034.
“Too many Seattle neighbors are feeling the impacts of Trump’s inflation, tariffs, and dangerous actions that put the most basic of needs – healthy food – out of reach,” Harrell said in a statement. “Affordable food access is at the foundation of a healthy life and a healthy city – this proposal invests in that healthy future.”
The largest portion of the increase in funding comes from an additional $6 million to the city’s Fresh Bucks program, which will expand the monthly participant stipend by 50% to $60 a month and serve everyone on a waitlist of more than 4,000.
A recent study by the University of Washington found that Fresh Bucks participants experience a 31% higher rate of food security and consume at least three daily servings of fruits and vegetables 37% more often than those assigned to a program waitlist. A success for the city.
Another $3 million would go toward support for local food banks, including mobile food pantries, home delivery to residents unable to leave their homes, and other grocery access support.
In response to the recent closure of a Fred Meyer grocery store, Harrell’s proposal allocates more than $300,000 over three years to extend Lake City Farmers Market by an additional 15 weeks per year and future transition to Saturdays.
Along with increased funding, Harrell plans to advocate for the state government to consider legislation exempting groceries and pharmacies from Washington’s business and occupation tax, since these businesses are considered vital for healthy communities.
The mayor is also set to propose a bill that bans property restrictions and non-compete clauses for grocery store and pharmacy leases in the near future, according to a press release.
Harrell’s full 2026 budget proposal will be presented to the city council later this month.
