Food Banks Brace for Increased Demand as Government Shutdown Drags On

As the federal government shutdown enters its third week, the financial toll is spreading across the country. Many federal employees, now on day 21 without pay, are turning to food banks and community organizations for assistance — many for the first time.

The situation is further strained as key nutrition programs near depletion. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program are expected to run out of funding by the end of next month if the shutdown continues. This potential lapse could place additional pressure on food banks already struggling to meet increased demand.

Craig Rice, CEO of Manna Food Center in Maryland, said the ratio between meals provided by food banks and SNAP benefits is roughly one to nine. “If those SNAP dollars get cut in half, that would mean that a local food bank quadruples their output just to meet that need,” Rice told NBC Washington.

Local Communities Step Up

In Maryland, Manna Food Center has created emergency food bags specifically for furloughed federal workers. In Nevada, Clark County’s Aviation Department is collecting nonperishable food, gas cards, and baby supplies to help employees working without pay.

Families and Child Care Programs at Risk

The shutdown’s reach extends beyond food insecurity. In Kansas City, 17 Head Start-supported childcare centers may close by month’s end, leaving families without childcare options. Some state and local governments, like Johnson County, Kansas, are using emergency funds to sustain WIC services temporarily — but those measures are short-term.

Until Congress resolves the impasse, families and communities nationwide are bracing for even greater uncertainty.