Attributed to Vince Hall, Feeding America chief government relations officer
A government shutdown will bring uncertainty to millions of families in the United States. The Feeding America network of food banks, food pantries and meal programs will do all they can to serve their communities, but their food and funds can only go so far.
A government shutdown would lead to millions of federal employees, active-duty military members and many people who work for a federal contractor not receiving their expected paychecks in mid-October, potentially jeopardizing their ability to put food on the table and cover other household expenses.
As food banks face this increase in demand, many are already struggling to meet sustained and heightened need in their communities. The end of pandemic-era support services coupled with the compounded effects of continued supply chain disruptions and high food and transportation costs have strained the charitable food system.
A shutdown could also disrupt vital food assistance programs like the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in October.
And, if a shutdown extends until November, it would jeopardize critical anti-hunger programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps 40 million people put food on the table and channels investment into local communities.
Congress must avoid a shutdown to ensure millions of people can continue to access the food they need. We encourage anyone who thinks they might be impacted by a shutdown to find support in their local communities at feedingamerica.org/needhelp.
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.