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.

20🧵

#USA #US #USpolitics #FoodInsecurity
—

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.

21🧵

#USA #US #USpolitics #FoodInsecurity
—

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

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.”

22🧵

#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.”

23🧵

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

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

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.

24🧵

#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown
—

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.

25🧵

#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown
—

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

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.

26🧵

#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

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

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."

27🧵

#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

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.

28🧵

#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown
—

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

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.” 👀

29🧵

#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.”

30🧵

#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown
—

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

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.

30a🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—
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/

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.”

31🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

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

This is also Wyoming:

The Wyoming DFS says that “due to the federal #GovernmentShutdown, SNAP beneficiaries will not be issued their November food benefits until federal funding is restored.”

In the last fiscal year, #SNAP served an average 28,364 people per month. (44% ages 17 & under, 13% elderly).

The DFS director said that the uncertainty abt future SNAP payments may create hardship & DFS wants to give people “time to prepare.”

31a🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

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

Before I get back to the tour of the #US states—

Here is an article about how the #GovernmentShutdown and federal funding cuts (like to #SNAP ) affect people across the country—

~The federal government is still shut down. Here's what that means across the country (from October 16)~

31b (interlude)🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/15/nx-s1-5575134/government-shutdown

This is South Dakota:

“The Faith Temple Food Giveaway is seeing an increase in people reaching out about its program,” incl. furloughed federal workers.

The food bank expects more people at its future giveaways if the #GovernmentShutdown stretches on.

-AND-

“We're stretched too thin to absorb #SNAP cuts” (from July 23, right after Trump signed his ‘beautiful’ spending bill, OBBB, into law)

32🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity #USDA #OBBB
—

https://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/food-organizations-on-impacts-of-government-shutdown/amp/
—

https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-06-23/budget-policy-and-priorities/sd-food-bank-were-stretched-too-thin-to-absorb-snap-cuts/a97360-1

This is West Virginia:

As the federal workers feel the impact of not being paid, community food pantries step into help, but also express challenges.

One director said that even before the #GovernmentShutdown, the cost of living was greatly impacting nonprofits. Her kitchen may not be able to serve coffee because it’s so expensive.

Another director said it’s more difficult to operate nonprofits with limited access to necessary funds.

33🧵
#US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/local-food-pantries-encourage-community-to-reach-out-amid-shutdown/article_41ee3c7d-6bf5-42d7-b5e0-ac58a8991fd1.html

This is Maryland (again):

Food banks are “getting ready for a surge in demand, including a Howard County food bank, where officials say 11% of employed residents and their families are directly impacted” by the #GovernmentShutdown.

“Workers are feeling similar impacts whether they were sent home on furlough or deemed essential & required to work without pay.”

👉 Americans, including federal workers, are living paycheck-to-paycheck.

34🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/local-food-pantries-encourage-community-to-reach-out-amid-shutdown/article_41ee3c7d-6bf5-42d7-b5e0-ac58a8991fd1.html

This is also Maryland:

'Strictly buying food right now': Maryland families face uncertainty as shutdown continues~

34a🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown
—

https://www.wbaltv.com/article/maryland-families-uncertainty-government-shutdown-continues/68936145

This is Kentucky (KY):

With no end in sight for the #GovernmentShutdown, some in Louisville are turning to food banks for the first time. 

Sister Visitor Center food pantry is stepping up to take care families left without paychecks until the stalemate in Washington, D.C. ends. Its emergency assistance program & pantry offers food & financial assistance to local residents in need. It even has a pet food pantry.

35🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity #SNAP #WIC
—

https://www.wdrb.com/news/government-shutdown-strains-louisville-families-military-and-food-assistance-programs/article_17115824-0381-4a8a-aa57-70430247dc79.html

This is also Kentucky (KY):

A federal #GovernmentShutdown impacts everything from food pantries to the services the local health department provides to the public.

-AND-

There are ~280,000 people facing food insecurity in central & eastern KY, an all-time high, and federal workers could be added to that list. 👀

“We are going to need more food… more financial support from our gracious, generous donors,” one food bank CEO said.

35a🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.wkyt.com/2025/10/01/government-shutdown-impacts-ky-organizations/

This is New Jersey (NJ):

Food banks have had increased demand for their services over the past several years.

In the state:

• 1 in 9 people (overall) face hunger

• 1 in 7 children face hunger

👀👀👀
~~

Now food banks face ADDITIONAL challenges & increased demand during the #GovernmentShutdown —

One leader said, “the longer a shutdown goes on, the more risk of harm there is to people who are living paycheck-to-paycheck.” 👈

36🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/on-air/as-seen-on/food-banks-in-new-jersey-face-challenges-during-government-shutdown/6402426/

This is Oregon:

Food banks were already seeing substantial rising demand for their services before the #GovernmentShutdown due to ever increasing costs of living.

They will now see MORE demand as tens of thousands of federal workers in the area go without pay just as the public begins to feel the effects of changes to programs like #SNAP from Trump’s ‘beautiful’ spending bill.

37🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—
https://www.opb.org/article/2024/12/20/oregon-hunger-food-banks-potential-government-shutdown/
—
https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/posts/federal-cuts-to-snap-and-medicaid-will-deepen-hunger-in-oregon
—
https://www.opb.org/article/2025/09/25/federal-government-shutdown-oregon-southwest-washington/

This is also Oregon:

Food pantries must rely on volunteer teams, food drives & community donations to keep up with the rising demand for their services.

But they stress that their doors are open to those facing food insecurity.

Said the executive director of one Oregon food pantry, “If you live in our local community and you are experiencing food insecurity, whether it’s today, tomorrow, a month from now, please come and visit us.”

37a🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.kptv.com/2025/10/02/portland-area-food-banks-anticipate-rising-demand-services-amid-government-shutdown/

This is Alaska:

“As a #GovernmentShutdown continues to create financial stress for many Alaskans, concerns are mounting among furloughed workers who may not receive back pay for their time off” (as required by law).

“Alaska 211… is stepping up to provide resources & assistance…”

~”specialists… (are available to help) with basic needs (like) food pantries, health care services, mental health counseling, job training & more.”

38🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/10/08/alaska-211-offering-resources-workers-affected-by-government-shutdown

This is also Alaska:

Demand for food pantry & other assistance services are increasing as ~12,000 federal workers are going without paychecks.

Threats to the funding of #WIC — a crucial federal program that feeds hungry women, infants & children and
a #Project2025 target— is also creating Alaskans stress.

A statewide ‘Alaska 211’ program is in effect to help the state’s people.

38a🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—
https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/10/01/what-government-shutdown-means-alaskans
—
https://www.opb.org/article/2025/10/01/here-s-what-will-be-affected-by-the-government-shutdown/
—
https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2025/10/10/government-shutdown-alaskas-14000-wic-families-receive-funding-through-october-murkowskis-office-confirms

This is Missouri:

#SNAP benefits in jeopardy as food pantries brace for surge~

Food pantries like ‘Circle of Concern’ have recently seen “a steady stream of families looking for help.” 👀

And when 1 in 5 children in Ozarks Food Harvest’s service area face hunger, “any missed paycheck or prolonged shutdown could mean families, federal workers & seniors face impossible choices they never expected to make.”

39🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/snap-benefits-in-jeopardy-as-food-pantries-brace-for-surge/
—
https://www.ky3.com/2025/10/17/ozarks-food-harvest-provides-emergency-food-assistance-during-federal-shutdown/

This is also Missouri (& Kansas):

Tens of thousands of federal gov’t workers are not getting a paycheck in the area & #Trump has threatened not to pay them (as required by law).

Stronghold Food Pantry has already seen demand increase 300% in the first 10 days of October. 👀

And Harvesters (food bank) expects a major demand increase at a time when food insecurity is already up more than 10% from last year. 👀

39a🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity #GovernmentShutdown
—

https://www.kcur.org/politics-elections-and-government/2025-10-15/kansas-city-federal-workers-shutdown-paycheck-food-insecurity-congress-irs

Back to Illinois & Iowa:

Local food banks have already been hit hard by changes to #SNAP and USDA food shipment cuts (that #trump ordered earlier in the year). In addition, local food banks cannot purchase more food to meet increasing demand during the #GovernmentShutdown.

40🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

WQAD News 8 report (Quad cities)
from 15 October 2025
c/o YT

This is Delaware:

As the #GovernmentShutdown continues, food banks that saw increased demand this past year are preparing for more, esp. as federal employees now go without pay.

“It’s worrisome…so many individuals are just barely getting by. I don’t know that anyone could plan for not having a paycheck,” said one food bank rep.

Food banks have also been challenged by canceled #USDA food shipments ordered by #Trump earlier this year.

41🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.coasttv.com/news/food-bank-of-delaware-braces-for-increased-demand-uncertain-federal-aid-amid-government-shutdown/article_3586f317-59e2-44a5-90aa-c0b5c7b6010f.html

The Native American community is also affected by the #GovernmentShutdown & federal spending cuts.

They brace for ~”damage to health care, education, infrastructure & other services funded by the #USA under treaties struck more than a century ago.” They also fear that the #Trump admin “would use the shutdown to lay off federal workers responsible for ensuring that trust and treaty responsibilities are honored.“

41a (interlude)🧵
#USpol #FoodInsecurity #NativeAmericans
—
https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-native-americans-services-e70167fd8306097709bddfa7ded55474

Tribal communities are already affected by the #GovernmentShutdown —

1) Healthcare:

Some have had to suspend telehealth services, which are important for tribal elders, especially in ultra-rural communities.

2) Food:

The entire ‘Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations’ (of #USDA) is furloughed. One director worries that if the shutdown lingers, families will go without some food.
~~

41b (interlude cont.)🧵
#USA #USpol #US #FoodInsecurity #NativeAmericans
—
https://www.marketplace.org/story/2025/10/10/why-the-shutdown-hits-indian-country-particularly-hard

Now back to each state.

This is Hawaii (again):

Hawaii Foodbank prepares for increased demand due to the #GovernmentShutdown —

It serves >160,000 households monthly & may add 60,000-80,000 more, incl. federal civilian & military families.

This comes at a time of significant stress from rising food prices & cuts to programs like #SNAP

👉 1 in 3 Hawaiians face food insecrity.

42🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.kitv.com/news/business/hawaii-foodbank-preparing-for-increase-in-demand-from-federal-government-shutdown-impacts/article_2b1cb190-bb23-4ba7-881f-d85b6269374c.html
—
https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2025/10/11/hawaii-foodbank-prepares-growing-need-amid-government-shutdown/
—
https://hawaiifoodbank.org/blog/2025/10/01/a-government-shutdown-will-strain-families-and-food-banks/

I’m back working on this thread 🧵
A lot of stuff has happened over the last week or so.
—

Before I get back to highlighting the effects of food insecurity in each state (11 more to go), this is today’s news:

~Judge orders administration to distribute SNAP contingency money amid shutdown:

Another judge has ruled that the suspension of SNAP funding is "unlawful."~

43🧵
#USA #US #USpol #trump #SNAP #FoodInsecurity
—

https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-rules-trumps-attempt-suspend-snap-funding-unlawful/story?id=127069497

This is Pennsylvania:

“Supply is not keeping up with demand,’ said the executive director of one food bank. “On average, we would serve about 50 families a day & we're seeing anywhere from 50-120 families a day.”

With demand increasing amid the #GovernmentShutdown, every donation helps. But the threat to #SNAP may be unbearable.

“For every meal a food bank gives, SNAP provides nine. That's the capacity that we're losing here.”

44🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://6abc.com/amp/post/government-shutdown-2025-pennsylvania-food-nonprofits-sound-alarm-snap-benefits-are-set-expire/18092035/

This is Connecticut:

The largest food bank network is bracing for what could be its toughest challenge yet as threats to #SNAP funding amid the #GovernmentShutdowm might “cut off aid to 360,000 families across the state.”

"We're staring down the barrel of a disaster,” said its president.

The nonprofit was already seeing a 15% demand increase from Oct. 2024, as civil servants go w/o paychecks & grocery prices continue to rise.

45🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.aol.com/news/disaster-cts-largest-food-bank-213444177.html

This is Arizona:

~ 9 out of 10 counties w/ the highest food insecurity rates are rural. With the #GovernmenrShutdown & #SNAP benefits potentially being suspended, Flagstaff Family Food Center is working to feed people across Northern Arizona.

Recently, volunteers like Maria Martell have noticed increased demand.

“Doing like 150 cars a couple of years ago. Now we’re doing 270….almost at 300 cars, on a Tuesday…so many people in need.”

46🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—
https://www.azfamily.com/2025/10/29/flagstaff-food-bank-helps-rural-arizonans-amid-government-shutdown/

And in the news again—

A U.S. District Judge in Boston ruled the #Trump administration has until Monday to decide whether to pay at least partial #SNAP food benefits.

Judge Talwani “declined to issue a temporary restraining order to force the administration to act before the funds run out tomorrow, finding that resuming payments at some point can still avoid irreparable harm to SNAP recipients.”

47🧵
#USA #US #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/31/nx-s1-5592366/snap-food-benefits-judge-trump-administration-usda-wic

This is New York:

Food pantries brace for a “surge” with ~3 million at risk of losing #SNAP benefits...

“Gov. Hochul declared a state of emergency & said NY will not let people go hungry due to the federal #GovernmentShutdown.

Food banks had already seen more demand amid increasing grocery prices & previous food aid cuts.

~”It's a cost-of-living crisis people have...(they) just don't make enough money,” said one food bank director.

48🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/snap-benefits-new-york-food-pantries-government-shutdown/

~11 MILLION people in 14 central #US states could lose #SNAP benefits amid the continuing federal #GovernmentShutdown.

The director of one food group spoke of the loss of benefits’ “ripple effects” on local economies, school attendance & chronic disease.

Food banks had already seen more demand in the past few years, & SNAP provides 9 meals for every 1 from food bank donations, mostly to children, the elderly, & those w/ disabilities.

49🧵
#USA #USpol #FoodInsecurity
—

https://nebraskapublicmedia.org/en/news/news-articles/food-banks-in-the-central-us-say-they-cant-fill-the-gap-left-by-frozen-snap-benefits/