Government Shutdown Spurs Nationwide Surge in Food Pantry Demand

Nonprofit organizations across the U.S. are facing increased demand for food assistance due to the government shutdown and the resulting uncertainty around the continuation of SNAP benefits. In Lubbock, Texas, local nonprofits are overwhelmed with calls from families seeking help, while in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, emergency food supplies are critically low as more people turn to food pantries. In Pike County, Pennsylvania, Delaware Valley Action! donated funds to a local food pantry to address the surge in demand caused by the halted SNAP benefits. Similarly, in Long Beach, California, food pantries have seen a significant increase in users, with some expecting numbers to double by year-end, despite declines in food donations. To adapt, some organizations are relocating or expanding, such as Extended Hands Food Bank in Fountain Hills, Arizona, which is moving to a new facility to better serve the community. Overall, these nonprofits are calling for community support and donations of staple food items to meet the growing needs during this crisis.