Communities Unite to Fight Food Insecurity in the Face of Government Shutdown

Over 40 million people in the United States rely on SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for monthly food assistance, making it one of the country’s most important social programs. Due to the recent government shutdown, however, SNAP has been temporarily halted, leaving millions of Americans without the benefits that they rely on. 

In response to this sudden disruption, local communities have begun stepping up to help fill the gaps left by the shutdown. Earlier this month, North Tonawanda Mayor Austin Tylec teamed up with Lumber City Church to host a Community Food Assistance Event with the goal of providing food to families struggling with the shutdown. Through donations from Tops Friendly Markets and Walmart, as well as many local residents and businesses, the food drive was able to help feed around 200 families.

But this is just one of many examples of local communities coming together, and it has come alongside a wider movement of local organizations stepping up to help across the country. Food banks, churches, and other non-profit organizations have offered a lifeline for struggling families, providing aid when needed most. 

Alongside local figures, national organizations have begun rallying to help as well. The Student Hunger Fund, a donation program started by Donors Choose, has set out to support students struggling with food insecurity. Since the launch of the project, nearly $350,000 has already been raised for students. The suspension of SNAP benefits has greatly intensified the effects of food insecurity on children, and Donors Choose is looking to help alleviate this by donating food directly to schools for students. 

While the shutdown has caused hardship for many, it has highlighted the importance of community support and coming together in times of crisis. Local food drives and national campaigns are demonstrating ordinary people’s ability to step up and make a difference in a time of need. As the shutdown continues, it's clear that communities are still determined to keep each other safe, no matter the hardships they face.

In Kansas City, KC Tenants first launched its “We Feed Us” program during the height of the shutdown. The campaign has raised more than $30,000 to keep food on the table for struggling families. A goal that it will continue to work towards even after the government shutdown has ended. KC Tenants will continue fundraising and packaging food through the week, and plans to continue distributing food until the end of the month.

*As of publishing, the government shutdown is now over, but families are still struggling with the fallout left behind from the event. Despite SNAP being restored, many food assistance groups have continued to help smooth over this transition back.