Multiple U.S. Cities Launch Food Drives Amid SNAP Benefit Pause During Government Shutdown

With the impending pause of FoodShare and SNAP benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, several cities across the Midwest are mobilizing food drives to support those in need. Milwaukee has launched a citywide food drive in collaboration with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Nourish MKE to collect nonperishable food and monetary donations through city and county facilities until benefits are restored. In Chicago, an 8-year-old boy is hosting a food drive to feed 150 families, inspired by a peer's earlier charitable efforts, providing groceries to families who are affected by the lapse in federal assistance. St. Louis is also responding with a food drive hosted by City Foundry and Operation Food Search during a Live Art Market event, aiming to address the increased demand on food banks exacerbated by the SNAP cuts and recent tornado relief efforts. Local businesses in St. Louis are assisting by providing donation bins throughout November to support the community during this critical period. These efforts underscore local leaders and organizations stepping up to fill gaps left by federal funding delays amid rising food insecurity in their communities.