Food banks are stepping in amid the pain of the federal government shutdown.

Local businesses and restaurants are also trying to help.

👉 A thread 🧵

#USA #US #USpolitics #USpol #FoodInsecurity #hunger #SNAP #WIC #GovernmentShutdown

This is Washington DC:

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/politics/shutdown/free-food-federal-workers-discounts-food-banks/65-bea34ab2-1e56-4d97-8fb8-85310582f2ab

This is California:

The Alameda County Community Food Bank is stepping in to support federal workers impacted by the ongoing government shutdown.

After their Thursday morning shift, TSA employees at the Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport picked up food provided by the Alameda County Community Food Bank. 👀

As federal workers navigate life with no paycheck in sight, the Food Bank is seeing an increased need.

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#USA #US #USpolitics #GovernmentShutdown

https://abc7news.com/post/government-shutdown-alameda-county-community-food-bank-steps-help-impacted-tsa-workers-families/18020731/

Alameda Co. food bank steps in to help TSA workers, families impacted by government shutdown

At the Oakland Airport Thursday morning, fresh produce, pantry staples and proteins were distributed to nearly 280 federal employees and their families.

This is Iowa:

The River Bend Food Bank braces for greater demand as the federal #GovernmentShutdown stretches on.

Food bank leaders say “even short-term shutdowns create uncertainty for thousands of people who depend on federal programs & steady paychecks.

“Families, federal employees & even those serving in the military may suddenly be forced to stretch their budgets, not knowing when their next paycheck or food benefits will arrive.”

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#USA #US #USpolitics

https://www.kwqc.com/2025/10/06/how-food-banks-snap-benefits-are-impacted-by-government-shutdown/

How food banks, SNAP benefits are impacted by government shutdown

Leaders at the River Bend Food Bank say even short-term shutdowns create uncertainty for thousands of people who depend on federal programs and steady paychecks.

KWQC

This is Illinois & Iowa:

Food Banks are brace for impacts of potential cuts to federal funding & an increase in furloughed or laid off federal workers needing assistance.

Soup kitchens say they “went from serving 600 meals a day to about 1,000 a day over the last six months.” 👀

“An Eastern Illinois Foodbank spokesperson says… they are serving twice as many people now as compared to 2022.” 👀

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#USA #US #USpolitics #GovernmentShutdown

https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/how-the-government-shutdown-is-affecting-iowa-and-illinois-food-banks/

This is Colorado:

Food banks were already strained by the #Trump admin’s changes to USDA food programs which left them with 25% less food & a gap of 14,000 meals per day.

And increases in food & housing prices have led to the greatest hunger demand in 10 years 👀 (BEFORE the shutdown).

Now faced with the uncertainty of the #GovernmentShutdown & bracing for the influx of federal workers, food banks are rationing provisions & asking for help.

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#USA #US #USpolitics

https://www.koaa.com/news/local-news/government-shutdown-giving-already-strained-colorado-food-banks-more-uncertainty

Government shutdown giving already-strained Colorado food banks more uncertainty

Federal funding cuts have meant less food coming in, and as the shutdown drags on, there could be a big spike in demand.

KOAA News 5

This is Tennessee (TN):

“Those working a variety of federal jobs are furloughed or working without pay.

In fact, Nashville International Airport had to scale back operations last week due to a lack of air traffic controllers👈

“Now, food banks in Middle TN are working to keep food on the tables. As the shutdown continues, both One Generation Away & Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle TN are asking for donations.”

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#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown

https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tennessee-food-banks-see-increase-in-demand-due-to-government-shutdown/

This is Louisiana:

Second Harvest seeks donations as it sees longer lines at distribution centers, meal sites & pantries.

The food bank already struggles to meet high demand and fears the demand may worsen now that federal workers may start using its services…

Second Harvest receives less federal government funding than at the start of 2025, making it a real challenge to address the community’s needs. 👀

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#USA #US #USpolitics #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown

https://www.wdsu.com/article/second-harvest-food-bank-donations-government-shutdown/69048610

This is Florida:

Treasure Coast Food Bank is ~”seeing federal workers, incl. IRS employees, postal workers & airport personnel seeking food assistance.”

The food bank serves more than 250,000 people a week throughout several counties.

Since the #GovernmentShutdown, it has seen an uptick of people in need.

"Everybody knows somebody that's been touched by the shutdown or a program that's been cut," the non-profit’s CEO said.

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#USA #US #USpolitics #FoodInsecurity

https://www.wpbf.com/article/florida-government-shutdown-food-bank-assistance/69034087

This is Kansas:

Thousands who rely on food assistance “could experience delays or even a pause to their benefits” like they did during the 2019 government shutdown.

According to USDA data in May, 186,000 Kansans received SNAP benefits at a cost of nearly $33 million.

“We’re a community and we all have to help each other out,” said the director of Kansas State University’s Harvey County Extension Office.

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#USA #US #USpolitics #GovernmentShutdown

https://www.kwch.com/2025/10/17/food-bank-tours-bring-resources-together-kansans-need-during-shutdown/

Food bank tours bring resources together for Kansans in need during shutdown

Thousands of Kansans who rely on food assistance could experience delays or even a pause to their benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

KWCH

This is Georgia:

Local organizations like Golden Harvest Food Bank say they “have not seen these levels of hunger in more than a decade” & the #GovernmentShutdown has only increased community need.

“When people hear the words government shutdown, they become scared…People are working hard. We have families, working families that receive government assistance because their paycheck doesn’t stretch far enough…”

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#USA #US #USpolitics

https://www.wrdw.com/2025/10/16/golden-harvest-sees-increased-demand-wic-funding-faces-uncertainty/

Golden Harvest sees increased demand as WIC funding faces uncertainty

For local organizations like Golden Harvest Food Bank, which say they have not seen these levels of hunger in more than a decade, the shutdown has only increased community need.

WRDW-TV/WAGT-TV

This is Arkansas:

“The Little Rock community has come together to help TSA employees continue to work through the government shutdown.

“TSA agents…make sure you make it to your flight safe and sound” (and are working without pay).

&

“The Arkansas Food Bank will host a food distribution event at Clinton National Airport to support federal employees impacted by the government shutdown.”

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#USA #US #USpolitics #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown

https://www.thv11.com/article/news/local/little-rock/little-rock-community-tsa-agents-shutdown/91-9c5fa1e7-d890-4438-a039-be3ed14d2fd6

This is Hawaii:

Bank of Hawaii is offering emergency financial relief programs to support qualifying federal employees & contractors facing income disruption from the ongoing federal #GovernmentShutdown.

“Those impacted by the shutdown can get up to a $5,000 loan for a 24-month term at a 5% fixed interest or 5% APR…”

“We recognize how stressful the shutdown is for federal workers & their families in our community,” said the bank’s CEO.

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#USA #US #USpolitics

https://www.guampdn.com/news/bank-of-hawaii-offers-emergency-financial-relief-programs-for-those-impacted-by-federal-government-shutdown/article_0114d4ae-25a0-4656-9fb8-5b1f968c0596.html

This is New Mexico:

Volunteers at the Saint Felix Food Pantry “served 200 people in three hours, and they worry that as time goes on, demand will rise and they will have to give less food to more people.”

One furloughed federal worker “came in (with) young children and said, '…I got my last paycheck last week…What do I do now?'”

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As the #GovernmentShutdown threatens #SNAP benefits, food pantry volunteers call for donations…

https://www.koat.com/article/local-food-pantry-rising-demand-government-shutdown-snap-benefits/69063451

This is Utah:

Inflation, higher demand & the threat of a longer #GovernmentShutdown is stressing local food pantries.

“We’re stretching…donations already, but if we have to serve significantly more people, we will have to…scrape together more donations to meet the demand,” said one large food pantry director.

“Major federal food programs could run out of money & food pantries expect to see federal workers showing up soon.”

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#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity

https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/local-food-pantries-increased-demand-shutdown/

This is Virginia:

Food banks prepare for more demand during #GovernmentShutdown as hunger crisis grows.

Capital Area Food Bank said “the hunger crisis in the (Arlington/DC) region is already persisting & deepening,” w/ 37% of the population now considered food insecure. 👀

And as of Oct 1, ~41% of laid-off federal workers are food insecure. Missing a paycheck can quickly move one from financial stability to financial strain.

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#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity

https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/virginia/concerns-the-government-shutdown-will-deepen-hunger-crisis/65-a98279f2-a773-4329-aa58-7763f4b7e377

This is Michigan:

Feeding America West Michigan prepares for increased demand as #GovernmentShutdown continues:

Uncertainty surrounding federal food assistance programs and the influx of federal employees missing paychecks is leading to an increase in demand as government shutdown affects local food banks~

Said the food bank CEO, “In terms of our food availability and inventory, I think we’re probably pretty good for another month…”

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#USA #US #USpolitics

https://www.wgvunews.org/news/2025-10-14/feeding-america-west-michigan-prepares-for-increased-demand-as-government-shutdown-continues

Feeding America West Michigan prepares for increased demand as government shutdown continues

Uncertainty surrounding federal food assistance programs is leading to an increase in demand as government shutdown affects local food banks

WGVU NEWS

This is Washington (state):

Several food drives took place on Wednesday to support active service members facing financial constraints during the ongoing #GovernmentShutdown.

Some service members have not received pay this month & others only got partial pay.

The community’s need “has been steadily growing, even without the shutdown. 👀 The cost of everything continues to inch up,” said a Second Harvest food bank rep.

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#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity

https://www.khq.com/news/food-drives-in-airway-heights-support-military-families-amid-shutdown/article_9751fc16-1b2b-4732-83bb-42df6f87a475.html

This is South Carolina:

As the #GovernmentShutdown continues & grocery prices remain high, food banks say the need for assistance has never been greater.

Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach said the number of families seeking food assistance has nearly doubled in the past year. 👀

“According to Feeding America, Horry County’s food insecurity rate is 14.5%, (so) roughly 56,000 residents may not know where their next meal is coming from.” 👀

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#USA #US #USpolitics

https://www.wmbfnews.com/2025/10/02/local-horry-county-food-bank-expects-impacts-government-shutdown/

Horry County food bank expects impacts from government shutdown

Lowcountry Food Bank is predicting an influx of people coming in following the government shutdown.

WMBF

This is Maine:

The ripple effects of the #GovernmentShutdown are reaching far beyond closed offices and surfacing at Maine’s food banks & pantries.

“At Good Shepherd Food Bank…pallets of food flow through constantly, supplying nearly 600 partner pantries around the state. Yet leaders say this year's (federal) funding cuts (and the) ongoing shutdown are pushing operations to the brink.”

About 1 in 7 Mainers face food insecurity 👀

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#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity

https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/maine-food-banks-brace-increased-demand-amid-government-shutdown-hampden/97-5e3722ef-c0a8-4d5b-be9d-22e262869f8f

This is Massachusetts:

#GovernmentShutdown creating uncertainly for food pantries~

The executive director of the Food Bank of Western MA, (said) approximately 25% of their food supply comes from the federal government 👀 but, luckily, as of Oct. 2, they had enough supply for the next 3 months (bc of donations).

However, the uncertainty around a prolonged government shutdown is causing concern for food pantries everywhere.

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https://www.westernmassnews.com/2025/10/02/government-shutdown-creating-uncertainly-food-pantries/

This is Mississipi:

Long Beach Community Food Pantry volunteer Mark Collins said the pantry has been working overtime & low-income families are worried they won’t get #SNAP benefits if the federal #GovernmentShutdwn extends into November.

The pantry is running low on fruits, canned goods, and many other items.

“Shelves are getting very bare,” Collins said, stressing the continued need for donations.

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#USA #US #USpolitics #FoodInsecurity

https://www.wlox.com/2025/10/16/long-beach-food-pantry-prepped-if-government-shutdown-extends-through-november/

Long Beach food pantry prepped if government shutdown extends through November

If you walk into the Long Beach community food pantry, you’ll see that it’s almost empty. Volunteers say community needs have grown since the government shut down.

WLOX

This is North Carolina:

‘They are facing uncertainty’: Triad food bank on government shutdown impact on low-income families, federal workers (of which there are ~7,000 in the 3-city Piedmont Triad area alone)~

“Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC warns that local families relying on federal food assistance may face further disruptions to their benefits.”

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#USA #US #USgov #USpol #FoodInsecurity #SNAP #GovernmentShutdown

https://www.wxii12.com/article/second-harvest-food-bank-government-shutdown-impact/68157345

This is Maryland:

Maryland Food Bank ramps up aid to brace for surge in need during government shutdown ~

According to Wallerstedt of Maryland Food Bank, 1 in 3 (33%) Maryland families were experiencing food insecurity before the shutdown 👀

“With the potential loss of WIC and SNAP benefits, plus the lost income for federal workers, she wants people to know they have support.”

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#USA #US #USgov #USpol #FoodInsecurity #SNAP #GovernmentShutdown

https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/maryland-government-shutdown-impact/

Maryland Food Bank ramps up aid to brace for surge in need during government shutdown

The closure of National Parks and landmarks is just one inconvenient way Baltimore is feeling the impacts of the government shutdown. For others, the impacts are much more concerning.

This is Ohio:

Food pantries facing critical, growing need as shutdown leads to less available aid~

The Mid-Ohio Collective, which collaborates w/ ~600 food pantries across the state, reports a reduction of 5 million pounds of food 👀 due to the ongoing gov’t shutdown.”

Rural areas “face unique challenges including a lack of grocery stores & increased travel times for residents” w/ transportation challenges.

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https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/food-pantries-facing-critical-growing-210540806.html

This is Nevada:

“As the government shutdown enters its 16th day, Nevada families are increasingly turning to food pantries for assistance, creating unprecedented demand at local organizations already struggling with funding delays.”

Lutheran Social Services warns that its food pantry might have to close as federal funding remains delayed during 16-day government shutdown.

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#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown

https://www.ktnv.com/news/government-shutdown-strains-las-vegas-food-pantries-as-demand-surges-but-funds-wane

Government shutdown strains Las Vegas food pantries as demand surges, but funds wane

Nevada food pantries face unprecedented demand as government shutdown enters day 16, with Lutheran Social Services warning of potential closure.

Channel 13 Las Vegas News KTNV

This is North Dakota:

Food pantries & non-profits face the pressure of cold weather, new ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ SNAP cuts & the #GovernmentShutdown increasing food pantry demand.

One pantry saw ~15% demand increase so far this month compared to last year & expects November to be tougher.

The organization also sees a notable increase in demand for coats, likely because families have less money to spend on cold-weather gear.

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#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity

https://www.kfyrtv.com/2025/10/13/cold-weather-obbb-snap-cuts-government-shutdown-put-pressure-local-food-pantries/

Cold weather, OBBB SNAP cuts, government shutdown put pressure on local food pantries

In October, food pantries and non-profits are facing the pressure of cold weather, new Big Beautiful Bill SNAP cuts and the government shutdown. 

KFYR

This is Nebraska:

'Meet their needs and give them hope': Omaha nonprofit steps up for people impacted by the #GovernmentShutdown ~

"’We would appreciate anyone dropping off food items,’ Soulifou (the non-profit’s CEO) said. ‘Or having your local church or business or organization host a food drive for us.’”

Soulifou also said, “We want to give hope to people, meet their needs and give them hope."

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https://www.ketv.com/article/omaha-nonprofit-helps-people-impacted-government-shutdown/68818704

This is Texas:

Government shutdown threatens food security for thousands in West Central Texas~

-and-

As government shutdown continues, East Texas food pantries see increased clientele~

“We had 29 new families needing food that signed up last week,” said the food pantry coordinator of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Flint.

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https://ktxs.com/news/local/government-shutdown-threatens-food-security-for-thousands-in-west-central-texas

https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/shutdown-continues-texas-food-pantries-increased-clientele/501-c12b07ba-de07-41d3-b2e5-9b02b54e1a51

Government shutdown threatens food security for thousands in West Central Texas

On day 15 of the government shutdown, the ongoing government shutdown is creating uncertainty for millions of civilian and military federal employees.

This is Alabama:

The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama is preparing to support those affected by the #GovernmentShutdown, which has led to increased demand for food assistance~

Changes to #WIC & #SNAP benefits for millions of Americans “has heightened the need for food banks nationwide.”

“According to the Center on Budget & Policy Priorities, 1 in 7 people received SNAP benefits in Alabama last year.” 👀

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#USA #US #USpol #hunger #FoodInsecurity #FoodBanks

https://www.wvtm13.com/article/government-shutdown-impacts-food-bank-demand-in-alabama/68160581

This is Oklahoma:

“As the shutdown continues,  many federal employees, active-duty military members and people who work for a federal contractor are at risk of not receiving their expected paychecks. Food banks and meal programs will likely face increased demand on top of the sustained high need since the pandemic and the added strain of recent cuts to #SNAP and #Medicaid.”

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https://www.regionalfoodbank.org/regional-food-bank-of-oklahoma-statement-on-government-shutdown/

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Statement on Government Shutdown - Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

The Regional Food Bank is leading the fight against hunger in Oklahoma and envisions a state where no one goes hungry.

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

This is also Oklahoma:

“Food insecurity has been a critical issue in Oklahoma. The number of people experiencing hunger rose to 16.7% in 2024 from 14.1% (in 2023), a 18.4% increase, according to data provided by the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma…”

According to that organization, the #US averaged 13.5% in people experiencing hunger in 2024.

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Suspended shipments, federal spending cuts hit Oklahoma food banks
(from 29 March 2025)

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2025/03/29/food-banks-in-oklahoma-usda-cuts-federal-shipments-suspended/82688822007/

Suspended shipments, federal spending cuts hit Oklahoma food banks

Oklahoma's food insecurity remains high. Suspended shipments and federal budget cuts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have made it worse.

The Oklahoman

This is Wyoming:

#GovernmentShutdown leaves community members hungry~

As furloughed government workers missing paychecks can’t buy food, the Need, Inc. food pantry is at an all-time client high of about 2,000 residents per week while the facility has a scarcity of resources.

The Executive Director said, "Unless we get significant (community) support…our clients are going to see a reduction in what they're getting from us.”

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https://www.wyomingnewsnow.tv/news/government-shutdown-leaves-community-members-hungry/article_0c717925-3636-4fd0-b4dc-f5cc8db9204a.html

@dalfen I live in Omaha and can confirm.

Our church partners with an organization that helps refugees, and that includes a weekly food pantry. The suppliers see increased need and lower donations… and that was before SNAP expired. What was a once weekly trip for food is every other week and half the amount

@dalfen

It's any wonder the economy hasn't collapsed already. Seems like it's being held together by shoestrings and duct tape.

@dalfen at which point do we declare the #USA a #FailedState?

#USpol #IntlPol #GovernmentShutdown #Shutdown #USshutdown #Shutdown2025

The Debt Limit Explained

Blog: Don't Read The News https://cgpgrey.substack.com/p/why-tv-news-is-a-waste-of-human-effort* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVJXRq7IfgQ&list=PLc5PfsIwcLC...

YouTube

@kkarhan Great video! And funny 😂👏
There were a few things in it that were a bit off in terms of the division of powers between the US government’s Executive & Legislative branches and responsibilities of each branch. However, it gave a good explanation of the debt limit and how it can be used by both branches as a point of leverage to get what each one wants.

And absolutely 110% it is a mess!