What to expect from the government shutdown — and action you can take to help end it

As a multi-state lawsuit begins to force the release of USDA contingency funds for SNAP grocery support, Food Bank CEO Amy Beros shared perspective on the urgency to end the federal shutdown and restore vital funding for food and healthcare coverage.

Cuts to lifelines like SNAP and Medicaid passed this summer are already straining families who were barely making ends meet and rolling them back is critical to preventing an even deeper hunger crisis. While no one wants a long-term shutdown that creates uncertainty for thousands of families, the real crisis is the ongoing assault on programs that have long protected children, seniors, veterans, and working families. We urge congressional leaders to rescind these cuts immediately and restore full funding to SNAP and Medicaid.

– Amy Beros, Food Bank President & CEO

Communities across North Carolina are facing the worst hunger crisis in a generation. 

More than 607,000 people in our region — 1 in 7 of our neighbors — don’t know where their next meal might come from. These are not distant statistics; these are the people we pass in the grocery store, at school pick-up, or in the waiting room at the doctor’s office. The massive cuts to lifelines like SNAP and Medicaid that are at the center of the shutdown are straining families who were barely making ends meet. Unless rolled back, these cuts will deepen our already urgent hunger crisis. 

Make a difference today for neighbors who have lost income and grocery support during the shutdown.

Support imacted families. Make your voice heard.

 

Has your family been impacted by the shutdown? We're here to help.

Our network of 700+ pantries, no-cost markets, and meal sites is moving mountains to make sure federal workers and military families have access to food during the shutdown. No matter where you live, chances are there's a location near you.

Together, we can make sure no one in North Carolina has to face hunger alone

Whether this shutdown lasts a day, a week, or a month, we know that children, adults, and seniors across our region will face hardship without a functional, inclusive federal government. And while we work with our federal delegation to bring an end to this impasse, we want to make sure everyone in our communities knows that food remains available to all who need it. Everyone is welcome across our network of 700+ free food markets, pantries, meal sites, and delivery programs.