Multiple US Food Banks Brace for Surge Amid SNAP Benefit Interruptions

Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown, several states including California, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Iowa are experiencing a surge in demand for food assistance due to anticipated or actual cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In San Joaquin County, California, CalFresh benefits for November will not be issued on schedule, prompting local agencies and food banks like Second Harvest of the Greater Valley to increase emergency food distributions. Missouri has allocated $5 million from TANF funds to food banks to prepare for increased need, with pantries like Least of These seeing a rise in new families seeking help. Wisconsin's River Food Pantry reported its second busiest day ever, serving nearly 1,000 households in a week due to paused FoodShare benefits. Iowa's Food Bank is also facing record-high demand, with 267,000 residents losing SNAP benefits in November and the organization struggling to sustain its inventory amid rising need. Across all regions, food banks emphasize the importance of community support and partnerships to meet the growing crisis as families face unprecedented food insecurity.