Shutdown Strains Food Banks; WIC Reserves Running Short

The federal shutdown is threatening food assistance for millions as SNAP, WIC and TEFAP face funding risks that could push unpaid federal workers and low-income families to emergency food providers. Officials say WIC serves about 6.7 million people and federal reserves may cover benefits for only a week or two if the shutdown continues, shorter than earlier expectations. Food banks and pantries nationwide report record demand and depleted shelves, with some organizations seeing sharp month-to-month client growth and regional data (Dare to Care: 186,350 food-insecure, a 48% rise) signaling rising need. Atlanta Community Food Bank warns roughly 15% of its supply comes from USDA commodities and that inventories and donations could be insufficient if the shutdown lasts beyond about 30 days. Smaller regional banks say recent USDA cuts and funding uncertainty force them to buy more food and lean on donations, and food banks are mobilizing mobile pantries, targeted distributions and appeals for donations and volunteers as policymakers work to resolve the budget impasse.