Mutual Aid

 

Every act of generosity fills the gap and strengthens our network of care across our communities.

— Northwest Harvest

The latest on federal funding 

Hunger Free Washington
On November 12th, Congress passed a bill to fund the government and end the shutdown. Included in this bill is a guarantee of SNAP funding for the current fiscal year.

In Washington, SNAP benefits are being loaded in full as usual. Households can check their EBT balance by using the ebtEDGE or MyWABenefits apps, or by calling the phone number on the back of their EBT cards. 

DSHS is processing new applications for food benefits that were submitted after Oct. 16, 2025, as quickly as possible. Washingtonians should keep applying, renewing and reporting any changes that might affect their benefits, which will help make sure they get any benefits they’re entitled to as soon as possible. 

Learn more

Ways PTA leaders & community members can help address food insecurity :

Each of us deserves the dignity of having our basic needs met, and we are grateful for the generosity that PTA leaders and community members extend everyday to friends and neighbors. Please reach out to treasurer@scptsa.org if we can assist you in your efforts!

H.R. 1 federal legislation

Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
New federal legislation will deeply impact public benefits in Washington state, including SNAP food benefits and Medicaid, which we call Apple Health.

Learn more

SPS free meals for students

Children who receive SNAP benefits are eligible to receive free meals at school. If you are unsure if you qualify for free and reduced meals, visit the Culinary Services webpage for more information and fill out the Free and Reduced Price Meals form.

SPS also has 50+ schools that offer free meals to all students.

Guide to Mutual Aid Groups in Seattle

South Seattle Emerald
Mutual aid is a practice of direct community and resource sharing to help meet each other's needs — typically without ties to nonprofits or other organizations. Instead of charity, mutual aid operates in solidarity, recognizing that our health and well-being are bound up in collective care.

Find local mutual aid groups across Seattle, how to contact them, and what they most need help with right now.

View the guide

Mutual Aid Hub (U.S.)

Mutual aid is keeping communities afloat. Find Mutual Aid Networks and other community self-support projects near you. Reach out to groups directly to get involved, offer resources, or submit needs requests.

View the map

Art by Olly Costello

Seattle Public Schools
Family Support Program

SPS Family Support Program is committed to reducing barriers to academic success by linking students and their families with needed community resources. Our mission is to inspire and motivate Seattle Public School children to succeed academically socially and emotionally.

The Family Support Program leverages family engagement and support to increase student achievement, sense of belonging and improve graduation rates by partnering with school staff and community organizations for the success of students on issues related to reading achievement and attendance.

SPS Family Support Contacts by school

WestSide Baby

WestSide Baby meets the basic needs of children to promote safety, security & healthy development. We provide essential items to keep children safe, warm and dry by collecting and distributing diapers, clothing, and equipment throughout Western King County. WestSide Baby’s model is unique. We receive donations from the community, check and sort those donations, and distribute them directly to 100+ partner agencies, who are experts in their families, and the children they serve. These professionals get the items the children need, and WestSide Baby can focus on collecting the basic essentials. Seattle Public Schools is a partner agency of WestSide Baby. If you or someone you know has an unmet basic need, please reach out to your Seattle Public Schools principal, family support worker or school counselor.

View all partner agencies

The Alliance for Education
Right Now Needs Fund

Founded in 2018, the Right Now Needs Fund is an Alliance for Education program that works at the individual school level to support the immediate basic needs of students and families in Seattle Public Schools. The Right Now Needs Fund supports immediate, basic needs like clothing, meals, shelter, utilities and more. If you or someone you know has an unmet basic need, please reach out to your Seattle Public Schools principal, family support worker or school counselor.