Food Pantries Overwhelmed as SNAP Benefits Halted Amid Government Shutdown

Sun Nov 02 2025 08:48:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In the wake of the federal government shutdown, food pantries across the U.S. are seeing unprecedented demand as SNAP benefits are cut off, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.

With the shutdown halting SNAP benefits, people nationwide are lining up at food pantries and giveaways. Cases in places like the Bronx and Louisville show surges in attendees seeking assistance. Volunteers report heightened need as families express concerns over food security, with many desperate to feed their children this holiday season.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — People across the country formed long lines for free meals and groceries at food pantries and drive-through giveaways Saturday, after monthly benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, were suddenly cut off because of the ongoing government shutdown.

In the New York borough of the Bronx, about 200 more people than usual showed up at the World of Life Christian Fellowship International pantry, many bundled in winter hats and coats and pushing collapsible shopping carts as they waited in a line that spanned multiple city blocks. Some arrived as early as 4 a.m. to choose from pallets of fruits, vegetables, bread, milk, juice, dry goods and prepared sandwiches.

Mary Martin, who volunteers at the pantry, also relies on it regularly for food to supplement her SNAP payments. She said she usually splits her roughly $200 a month in SNAP benefits between herself and her two adult sons, one of whom has six children and is especially dependent on the assistance.

“If I didn’t have the pantry to come to, I don’t know how we would make it,” Martin said.

“I’m not gonna see my grandkids suffer.”

The Department of Agriculture planned to withhold payments to the food program starting Saturday until two federal judges ordered the administration to make them. However, it was unclear as to when the debit cards that beneficiaries use could be reloaded after the ruling, sparking fear and confusion among many recipients.

In an apparent response to President Donald Trump, who said he would provide the money but wanted more legal direction from the court, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell in Rhode Island ordered the government to report back by Monday on how it would fund SNAP accounts.

The delay in SNAP payments, a major piece of the nation’s social safety net that serves about 42 million people, has highlighted the financial vulnerabilities that many face. At the Bronx food pantry, the Rev. John Udo-Okon said “people from all walks of life” are seeking help now.

In Austell, Georgia, people in hundreds of cars in drive-through lanes picked up nonperishable and perishable bags of food. Must Ministries said it handed out food to about 1,000 people, more than a typical bimonthly food delivery.

Families in line expressed concern about not receiving SNAP benefits in time for Thanksgiving.

James Jackson, a 74-year-old SNAP recipient, expressed frustration over the impact of Washington decisions on people’s lives. “If you’ve never been poor, you don’t know what it is to be poor,” he said. “I hope that it turns around. I hope that people get their SNAP benefits, and I hope we just come together where we can love each other and feed each other and help each other.”

The increase in demand has been reflected nationwide, with many pantries working harder to accommodate the surge, ensuring they provide welcoming spaces for those in need.