As of Wednesday, October 1, the federal government is officially shut down. Lawmakers in Congress were unable to reach an agreement on either new legislation to fund the government or a temporary extension of current funding, known as a continuing resolution. Without action by the September 30 deadline, the government has now entered a shutdown, halting many federal operations and leaving critical programs and services in limbo.
What Does the Shutdown Mean for Food Banks?
The impacts of a government shutdown, as best we can predict them, largely depend on how long a shutdown lasts.
When the federal government shuts down, the ripple effects are felt far beyond Washington, D.C. — and food banks are often among the first to see the impact. Nearly 23,000 civilian federal employees and almost 25,000 military members (active-duty and reservists) live in New Jersey. If the shutdown drags on, many of them will be furloughed or forced to work without pay. Having missed their paychecks, they may turn to food banks and pantries for help — perhaps for the very first time in their lives. They could be forced to make impossible choices, like deciding between paying their rent or utilities and buying food.
Additionally, a shutdown that lasts several weeks or longer could also impact nutrition programs, due to a lack of funding, a delay in processing benefits, or both. Neighbors who receive federally funded benefits – like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – could lose access to these critical lifelines. Even programs that provide formula and health care for babies in our state could be at risk.
If the government is not reopened quickly, food banks will be the first, and potentially only, option for assistance for many affected individuals and families. This shutdown follows significant cuts to government programs and services like SNAP earlier this year that support people across the country, including our neighbors right here in New Jersey. Food banks’ resources are already stretched and may become even more strained with federal employees’ livelihoods and government nutrition programs at risk.
Status of Public Assistance Programs
During a government shutdown, the USDA must make critical administrative decisions about programs like SNAP, WIC, and others. What’s less certain is when those decisions will begin to disrupt benefits — or how quickly families could start to feel the effects.
Here’s the most current information on the funding status of federal nutrition programs:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP benefits should be delivered in full and on their normal monthly issuance schedule at least through October. Check with your state agency for further details
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
For families who rely on WIC, benefits and services are expected to continue during a short government shutdown. New Jersey has 4-6 weeks of funding available for WIC. Funding and availability can vary by state, so check with your local WIC office or state agency for the most up-to-date information.
Child Nutrition Programs
School and after-school meal programs, as well as other child nutrition programs, will not be disrupted through at least October.
Food Assistance for Those Affected
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey and its network of more than 800 community partners are here to provide food for our neighbors in need, including federal workers.
If you need assistance, visit our Find Food page to locate a pantry near you.
How You Can Help
Nearly 1.1 million New Jerseyans are food insecure. The longer the shutdown lasts, the more need will increase. CFBNJ and our partners are here to help our neighbors during this period of upheaval, but we can’t do it without your support. If you can, please make an urgent donation to help CFBNJ meet the increased demand.