Today matches the longest government shutdown on record in U.S. history. Families and community institutions alike are feeling the very real consequences of the shutdown as it rounds out its third week.
Millions of Americans are experiencing tighter budgets and facing the potential loss of critical services like food assistance. Meanwhile, food banks and schools are stepping in to fill the gap of the federal government amid worries over the sustainability and longevity of their support.
Here’s a roundup of how communities are supporting those affected by the shutdown and, as the situation stretches on, the impact this could have on these groups’ ability to continue to help.
In Wisconsin: Food Pantry worried about mounting demand as federal workers go without pay
In Milwaukee, the Hunger Task Force is worried about keeping up with demand at food pantries and shelters if the government shutdown causes the state’s SNAP benefits to dry up.
In Tennessee: Second Harvest director ‘very concerned’ about government shutdown continuing
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is working to restock its warehouse to prepare for potential service increases, but it’s already seeing a decline in donations – especially troublesome if the government shutdown interrupts SNAP benefits.
In Massachusetts: Shutdown may eat into school meals
School food service directors in Massachusetts are keeping a close eye on a program that allows low-income schools and school districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to students. There’s enough funding for the program through January and part of February, but what happens after that point is unclear.
In the District of Columbia: Schools tackle anxiety over food and fees as shutdown shows no sign of ending
School districts in the Washington area are finding ways to cope with the shutdown – from offering free meals to students regardless of a family’s ability to pay, to making counselors available and offering a break on afterschool program fees.
In Virginia: Fairfax Co. Public Schools to hold substitute teacher hiring event for furloughed federal employees
Fairfax County School District in Northern Virginia has committed to providing breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of ability to pay in order to support families affected by the shutdown.
While schools, food banks, and other charities and nonprofits are helping to fulfill critical services in their communities, they cannot replace the role of the federal government. The only way to ensure millions of Americans can continue to support their families is to reopen the government.
