Statement from Lifelong on the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

Lawmakers must act to protect and strengthen investments across the full continuum of care 

Seattle, WA, April 8, 2026 - Lifelong, a leading community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible, is deeply troubled by the President’s fiscal year 2027 (FY27) discretionary budget. The proposal targets the critical work of organizations with a history of supporting marginalized communities and places significant pressure on key programs that people rely on to meet their basic needs. 

“Programs that the President proposes to cut in his FY27 budget are often the difference between stability and crisis for the communities we serve across Washington State,” said Lifelong CEO James Shackelford. “Unfortunately, this proposal is reflective of the administration’s priorities. Even the possibility of such reductions creates uncertainty that directly impacts people’s ability to stay housed, access food, and remain engaged in lifesaving care.” 

Across Washington state, Lifelong works with people navigating the intersecting challenges of health, housing instability, food insecurity, aging, and disability. Federal investments in these areas form the foundation that allows people to stay well. When that foundation is weakened, the consequences are immediate and compounding. People miss medical appointments because they lose housing. They struggle to adhere to treatment because they lack reliable access to food. Providers are forced to stretch already limited resources to meet growing needs. If the cuts outlined in the President’s budget move forward, those challenges will only intensify and will impact all people regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, level of health, income, race or ethnicity.  

“Access to health care, food, and housing should not depend on your background or your resources,” said Shackelford. “At Lifelong, we believe health and food are human rights and we know these systems work together to keep people healthy. When one is weakened, the entire system and the health of our communities are put at risk.” 

As FY27 budget negotiations take place, Lifelong stands with our peers targeted in the proposed budget and urges policymakers to protect and strengthen investments across the full continuum of care—from prevention and treatment to housing and nutrition—so that individuals, families, and communities can live with dignity, stability, and health. 

Lifelong Applauds Washington State Lawmakers for Strengthening Local Medically Tailored Meals Programs

EHB 2211 Strengthens Community-based Medically Tailored Meal Programs Focused on Improving Health Outcomes and Investing in Local Communities

Seattle, WA, March 31, 2026 – Lifelong, a leading community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible, applauds Governor Bob Ferguson for signing EHB 2211 into law, marking an important step forward in advancing equitable, nutrition-centered healthcare across Washington state. The bill’s sponsors, State Representative Kristine Reeves and State Senator T’wina Nobles, as well as the Washington Legislative Black Caucus, demonstrated enormous leadership in advancing the critical legislation.

“Lifelong has always believed that food is fundamental to health. Our Chicken Soup Brigade program has been addressing gaps in nutrition access since the 1982, when the organization was founded to help those living with HIV. Today, the fight continues and we stand up for those facing serious illness, working to ensure they can access nutritious meals and groceries,” said James Shackelford, Chief Executive Officer of Lifelong. “This legislation strengthens the quality and consistency of medically tailored meal programs while ensuring that services are rooted in the communities they serve.”  

The link between nutrition access, income inequality, and health disparities is clear and deeply felt throughout Washington communities. Data from King County and across the state show that communities of color, lower-income households, veterans, and pregnant and breastfeeding people are disproportionately impacted by diet-related chronic illness and food insecurity. EHB 2211 brings the state closer to a healthcare system that addresses needs upstream, improves outcomes, and reduces long-term costs.

With strong bipartisan support, EHB 2211 establishes clear standards for medically tailored meals and prioritizes Washington-based providers, creating a pathway to better health outcomes while strengthening local economies.

“By prioritizing local sourcing and production, we are not only improving health outcomes, but we are also investing in Washington’s farmers, small businesses, and regional food systems,” said Emily Hanning, Vice President of Food & Nutrition at Lifelong’s Chicken Soup Brigade.

As the state continues to operationalize nutrition benefits under its Medicaid 1115 waiver, this law positions Washington as a national leader in “food is medicine” innovation, ensuring more people can access the care they need.

About Lifelong
Lifelong is a community health organization on a mission to make health and food accessible to all. We stand up for communities facing illness and injustice, guided by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live their healthiest life. Lifelong was founded in 1983 as a grassroots, community organization fighting for those living with HIV. Today, we continue that fight and we use our experience and determination to help others as we work to provide critical access to lifesaving medications and healthcare, stable housing, independent living, and food and nutrition.

Media Contact
Samantha Coria
SamanthaC@Lifelong.org