A government shutdown means uncertainty for the federal nutrition programs that support our neighbors facing hunger in communities across the country. Feeding America is not alone in our understanding that families everywhere are on the brink of, or have already been forced to make, impossible choices between food and other necessities like housing and health care.
The support provided by federal nutrition programs serves as powerful protection of the health, stability and dignity of families across the United States and is a safeguard for our economic vitality. Every dollar spent on food is an investment in people that strengthens families, farmers and industry in America. Food is foundational for all of us, and for each of us, and politics should not separate people from the food that they need to thrive.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides USDA-purchased foods to states and food banks for distribution to people facing hunger. During a government shutdown, USDA’s ability to purchase and deliver these commodities is disrupted, threatening the steady flow of food into the charitable network.
As families across the country face missed paychecks and disrupted SNAP benefits, new polling from Feeding America reveals overwhelming public concern for people impacted by the shutdown.
“Across the country, communities are feeling the real, human impact the shutdown is having on their neighbors and communities,” said Linda Nageotte, president and chief operating officer at Feeding America. “Families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities are showing strength through the hardship, and their communities are standing beside them—giving their time and money, and advocating so no one faces hunger alone.”
The federal nutrition programs available through USDA are invaluable resources for millions of families across the country, supporting health, stability and dignity and safeguarding local economies. The government shutdown is jeopardizing funding for these programs and could leave individuals and families with delayed, reduced or even zero benefits. With federal employees and contractors already missing paychecks, and military service members at risk of missing their first, it’s becoming harder for millions of households to afford food and other essential expenses. As the government shutdown continues, food banks across the country are seeing large spikes in demand for emergency food assistance, with many people seeking help for the first time.
Restoring partial SNAP funding is a step forward, but there is still uncertainty about when benefits and paychecks will arrive. People continue to face these hardships with resolve, supported by food banks, pantries and their communities standing alongside them every day.
Partial SNAP benefits bring needed relief to families, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities striving for stability. It also sustains 250,000 retailers, especially rural and independent grocers, who rely on SNAP to keep their doors open and communities strong
For every meal provided by food banks, SNAP provides nine, sustaining families and supporting 250,000 retailers nationwide. For rural and independent grocers, SNAP sales are a vital lifeline. When funding stops, hunger grows and local economies suffer. We urge Congress to end the shutdown and to protect SNAP.
We urge lawmakers to pass the Keep SNAP Funded Act and the Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025. These programs are lifelines for children, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities who rely on them for healthy meals. Ensuring everyone in this country has enough to eat is a shared responsibility that transcends politics. We also call on Congress to reopen the government and restore stability for families, service members, and workers nationwide.
The resources available through the USDA, like funding for SNAP, are invaluable to our neighbors across the country, and we implore Secretary Rollins and federal leaders to use all available avenues to protect families impacted by the ongoing shutdown, without delay.
