Everyone deserves access to nourishing food. If you’re facing rising grocery bills or a sudden change in income, you’re not alone—and support is available. Today, we will walk you through Washington’s Basic Food Program, its core requirements, and how you can apply.
What is Washington’s Basic Food Program?
The Basic Food Program, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is Washington State’s version of the federal food stamp program. It is designed to provide eligible households with monthly monetary support to purchase groceries for their families. Provided through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, eligible individuals can use their EBT at authorized retailers and farmers’ markets to purchase specific items.
Who is Eligible for Washington’s Basic Food Program?
The Washington State Basic Food program supports families, individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, and youth, regardless of home ownership, employment status, or age. It is available for all U.S. citizens and legal immigrants who meet specific requirements. Other state-funded benefits are available to non-citizens who are not eligible due to their alien status.
The primary eligibility factor is your household’s gross monthly income (i.e., the amount you make before taxes or deductions). To qualify, your household income needs to be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
The federal government determines FPL each year. 100% of the FPL would be what the government considers the minimum amount of income a household needs to meet basic living expenses. Therefore, when a program uses 200% of the FPL, it’s expanding access to people who make twice that amount, recognizing that many families still struggle to afford essentials even if they earn more than the baseline poverty level. For example, in 2025, 200% of the FPL for a family of four is $64,300.00. So, if your household makes this amount or less, you would be eligible for Washington’s Basic Food Program.
How You Can Apply for Washington’s Basic Food Program
The application process for Washington’s Basic Food Program starts by either calling the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1‑800‑322‑2588 over the phone or applying online at www.washingtonconnection.org.
PDF Brochure: How to Apply for and Use Basic Food Benefits
Keep in mind that during the application process, you will be required to provide your social security number, proof of your identity, and proof of the income and living expenses for your household.
After completing the application, you will be required to complete an interview. Interviews are offered by your local Community Services Office or over the phone.
Your monthly benefit will be determined once you have successfully completed your interview and have been deemed eligible. This is done by subtracting allowable deductions from your income, such as rent, mortgage, utilities, and childcare. Then, they calculate your household benefit by subtracting 30% of the remaining income from the maximum monthly benefit for your household size. You can see the current benefits compared to household size and monthly gross income by clicking HERE.
Finally, your EBT card will be issued, and benefits will be transferred to the account by the tenth day of each month.
What Can You Buy with Basic Food Benefits?
Basic Food Benefits can be used to purchase household food items such as:
- Breads and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Cheese, milk, and other dairy products
- Meats, fish, poultry, and eggs
- Most other food items that are not prepared hot foods
- Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
It cannot be used to purchase:
- Pet Foods
- Soaps, paper products
- Household supplies
- Hot foods
- Beer, wine, or liquor
- Cigarettes or tobacco
It is important to remember that any benefits remaining in your EBT account at the end of the month are carried over into the next month. However, if you have not used your benefits at all for one year, they will be removed.
What Other Benefits Do I Receive?
In addition to monthly food support, any school-aged children in your household are automatically enrolled in the free school meals program. Plus, you may be eligible for the following:
- The Basic Food Employment & Training (BFET) program
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Working Connections Child Care (WCCC)
- Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP)
How the Columbia Ability Alliance Can Help You
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we understand that navigating life’s barriers can be overwhelming. If you would like to find out if you are eligible for Washington’s Basic Food Program or need assistance with the application process, our Empowerment Place can help connect you to these critical support services, among others.
At the Columbia Ability Alliance Empowerment Place, there is no cost to come in, and walk-ins are welcome. We are located at 900 Dayton St. in Kennewick.
