In cities and small towns across the country, food banks are seeing longer lines and emptier shelves. For millions of Americans who depend on food assistance, the government shutdown isn’t just a political standoff—it’s a daily question of what’s for dinner.
The U.S. government shutdown has entered its fifth week, leaving hundreds of thousands of “nonessential” federal workers furloughed, small business owners waiting for the reopening of the Small Business Administration to process loans, and millions of Americans questioning where their next meal will come from. As both parties point fingers, everyday Americans are feeling the strain, from delayed services to shuttered programs. Among those hit hardest are the roughly 42 million people who rely on food stamps.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were halted on November 1, and President Donald Trump has said no benefits will resume until after the shutdown ends. Until then, as exact fund allocations still remain uncertain, millions of Americans will rely on local food pantries and donations to get through this month of unprecedented budget cuts.
Who Relies on SNAP?
To understand who’s affected, it helps to look at how SNAP works and who qualifies for support. To qualify for SNAP benefits, households must meet certain income and asset requirements. In most cases, gross monthly income, before deductions, must be below 130% of the federal poverty line. For individuals, the federal poverty line in 2025 is about $15,650, per year, according to HealthCare.gov. For a family of five, that amount increases to about $37,650. After deductions, a household’s income must fall at or below the poverty line, and assets such as cash or money in accounts must total less than $3,000, or $4,500 if someone in the home is elderly or has a disability.
SNAP counts both earned income, like wages, and unearned income, such as Social Security or child support. While the program serves a broad range of Americans, certain groups, including undocumented immigrants, many college students, and some individuals with felony convictions, are ineligible.
Among the millions who depend on SNAP are children, people with disabilities, seniors, veterans, and foster families. According to a study from Pew Research Center, in April of 2023, the national average benefit per person was around $181.72 and $343.00 per household. The projected amount for the year 2026 would be about $204 for a single person, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. For many families, SNAP is what keeps dinner on the table at the end of the month. A single parent in the Bronx might stretch $180 in monthly benefits to feed two kids, while a senior in rural Alabama relies on SNAP to supplement a fixed income.
In the state of New York, the demographics of those who receive SNAP benefits are striking. According to Hunter College of New York City Food Policy Center, of the 3 million New Yorkers who receive SNAP benefits, 30% of whom are children, 21% are elderly, and about 10% are living with a disability; these demographics make up about 81% SNAP recipients.
In the coming weeks, folks who rely on these SNAP benefits will experience delays in receiving monthly funds. While the distribution of funds spreads thin, we can do our part in supporting our local communities.
As the holiday season approaches, consider lending a helping hand to families in need. Donations of food, time, or funds can make a real impact, whether it’s supporting local food pantries and soup kitchens, volunteering to help manage rising demand at food banks, or contributing to national organizations working to fight hunger. These benefits can be the difference between a child’s full belly and an empty plate.
How to Help
If you’re looking to make a difference during the shutdown, even a small donation can go a long way. The following national and local organizations are helping families bridge the gap while SNAP benefits remain frozen.
Feeding America
The country’s largest hunger-relief organization partners with 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries nationwide. Every dollar donated helps provide at least 10 meals to families in need. You can also use their Food Bank Locator to find organizations in your area.
No Kid Hungry
Focused on ending childhood hunger, No Kid Hungry provides meals for children who rely on school breakfasts and lunches, which may be disrupted during the shutdown. Monetary donations help fund meal programs across the country.
Meals on Wheels America
This organization supports seniors who may be homebound or living on fixed incomes. Donations help deliver nutritious meals directly to their doors.
Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)
FRAC advocates for policies that strengthen federal nutrition programs like SNAP. Donating here supports both emergency relief and long-term solutions to food insecurity.
Careit
Across the country, restaurants, grocers, and event spaces often find themselves with perfectly good food they can’t use, while local pantries struggle to meet growing demand. Careit bridges that gap. The app connects businesses with nearby nonprofits that can pick up and redistribute extra food, often within hours. It’s a simple idea with powerful results, creating less waste, more full plates, and a reminder that technology can be a tool for compassion as much as efficiency.
Your Local Food Pantry or Soup Kitchen
For those who prefer to help closer to home, local food pantries are seeing record demand. Check with your city’s community centers, churches, or local government websites for drop-off locations and volunteer opportunities. Whether you are able to donate your time or money, a small gesture can surely make a large impact on the lives of many.
There are many resources available to help you navigate finding a local food pantry, some suggestions include:
The effects of the shutdown reach far beyond politics, touching families and communities across the country. Anyone who finds themselves in need of basic necessities never wished to be in that position. More often than not, it’s the result of circumstances beyond their control. A lifeline for millions of families—from the rural South to New York’s boroughs—has been cut off. Being part of a community means stepping up for our neighbors during moments when they need community most.
While federal aid remains uncertain, local action can make an immediate difference. Whether through a donation, a volunteer shift, or simply spreading awareness, every contribution helps ensure that fewer Americans go hungry this holiday season.
