WA seniors face tough choices after Congress cuts federal food program

Many people expect to live their golden years in leisure after decades of hard work. But two Marysville residents recently found themselves worrying about being able to buy food.

They’re among the hundreds of thousands of Washington residents who rely on SNAP, the federal food assistance program. Now that Congress has cut $186 billion in funding for the program, they’re anxiously waiting for what happens next.

Every other Wednesday a truck from the Marysville food bank comes to the Vintage, an apartment building for seniors. As volunteers stack bags of vegetables, fruit and other pantry staples in the dining room, more than a dozen residents wait in line with their grocery bags.

One of them is 75-year-old Gail Nigro. The staples she gets from the food bank help stretch the assistance she receives through SNAP, which is $49 a month. Nigro says that helps her buy vegetables to make her favorite—green salad.

"Fresh everything is expensive,” Nigro said. “At our age, we try to watch our sodium levels, we try to watch our sugar levels, those kinds of things.”

RELATED: This mother relies on SNAP to help feed her kids. Now, she's bracing for cuts

Before retirement, Nigro was in real estate, helping first-time homebuyers. Today, she lives on Social Security—just over $1,600 a month and a monthly pension of $541. Her income, she says, barely covers rent, utilities, and her car insurance.If her SNAP dollars are cut, she’ll have to make sacrifices.

“I can fill the gap by selling my car, which takes away a lot of my independence. It takes away a lot of my ability to live my life the way I like to live it,” Nigro said.

Her neighbor, Joe Beck, who is 72, is in a similar situation. He worked 28 years in state government as an analyst for various agencies. Beck’s SNAP assistance is $66 a month. He says the benefits provide not only nourishment, it also lets him cook, which he loves to do.

“I make a mean spaghetti,” Beck said. “And the best thing about that is there are leftovers…. And that saves me money.”

Beck has peripheral artery disease, a blood circulatory problem that has already cost him his left leg. He’s at risk of losing the other. His medication to control the disease is expensive and cuts into his food budget.

SNAP was created during the Great Depression to help families buy food. Benefits are largely based on income. Critics have called for overhauling the system, citing fraud and abuse.

Beck says he understands the need for accountability. But the recent cuts, he says felt like a slap in the face for people like him. The benefits are not a luxury; they’re an essential part of their survival.

“Food should not be a political issue,” Beck said. “It just shouldn’t be.”

RELATED: WA families struggle with hunger as federal food assistance expires

Like Nigro, the bulk of his Social Security check goes to rent. Food prices are already high. Beck says he's already dipped into his savings.

According to the nonpartisan group Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, more than 800,000 Washington residents receive SNAP benefits. Most recipients are families with children. But more than 38% are families with members who are older adults or who are disabled.

Beck says he may join the line for the food bank, but only when absolutely necessary. He says his neighbors need it more.

“These folks have worked all their life. They worked hard," Beck said. "They didn’t expect to be in the position that they’re in now.”

The Washington Department of Social and Health Services, which administers SNAP, said it was still awaiting federal guidance on implementation of the congressionally mandated benefit cuts.

"As soon as we have that guidance and know when and how clients will see changes to their benefits, we will share that information," the agency said in an email. "We want to provide people with as much lead time as possible so they can plan for any impacts to their household budgets."

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was amended at 4:25 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, to include response from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services.