Food pantries, already stretched thin by funding cuts and rising prices, are bracing for a surge|Sarah R|CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Across the US, people are stocking up on canned goods and rice as their food-assistance payments are set to stop on Saturday due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Millions could face nutrition challenges if funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) lapses. About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, according to the Department of Agriculture.
On Thursday, a federal judge indicated that she would likely direct the Trump administration to tap into reserves to help fund food assistance. She said that the $5.5 billion contingency fund should be made available to the states to provide SNAP benefits.
Rising strain on food banks
Food pantries, already stretched thin by funding cuts and rising prices, are bracing for a surge.
Feeding America says 50 million Americans visited food banks in 2023. The halt of two major food assistance programs by the Trump administration earlier this year has resulted in the loss of nearly $1 billion in aid annually.
Judge Indira Talwani also acknowledged that the $5.5 billion is insufficient to fund the program for even a month.
Cities like Washington, Houston, and Boston are expanding hours and opening temporary centers. Houston Food Bank CEO warned, “We cannot meet the gap that will be created.”