What's at Stake in the Government Shutdown and Action You Can Take

Second Harvest
Oct 1
3 min read

Updated: Oct 20

A Statement from Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC Eric Aft

Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, the regional Feeding America affiliated-food bank serving 18 counties across northwest North Carolina, is deeply concerned about the federal government shutdown and its potential impacts on families in our region. Even before this moment, families have been navigating impossible choices. Food costs remain high, requests for help are at historic levels, and recent changes to SNAP are reducing support for many households. At the same time, Second Harvest and our 500 partner programs are continuing to address record requests for help with food while also supporting the continuing recovery of communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. A shutdown only compounds these challenges.

While SNAP and school meal programs are expected to continue through October, WIC benefits may be disrupted in the next two weeks, threatening access to vital groceries for low-income pregnant women, infants, and young children. Essential funding for storing and distributing federal commodities that are vital to our food bank operations may be delayed.

Many federal employees, especially contractors and civilian support roles, face pay delays; essential federal workers often continue working but may not receive pay until after the shutdown ends. Some programs and positions, particularly those deemed essential or supported by mandatory funds, may continue to operate during the shutdown. The situation will vary across agencies and functions.

Non-profit organizations like Second Harvest cannot replace the scale and stability of federal nutrition programs. This shutdown is unacceptable, and it places already vulnerable families at even greater risk of hunger. We call on Congress to act swiftly to restore stability and ensure no disruption to these essential programs.

With community support, we will continue our mission to build food-secure communities for all people – only possible through the involvement of our region’s residents. Community members can get involved at SecondHarvestNWNC.org.

Summary of Food Program Impacts

SNAP

No disruption expected through October.
Uncertainty creates anxiety for families who rely on benefits to put food on the table.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program)

At highest risk of near-immediate disruption.
Families could lose access to grocery staples for pregnant women, infants, and young children.
USDA contingency fund ($150M) could extend operations briefly, but not long-term.
Some states may temporarily advance funds, but assurance of reimbursement is unclear.

Child Nutrition Programs (school meals, afterschool, summer)

No disruption expected through October.
Reimbursement delayed ~30 days after service month.

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) / USDA Commodities

Orders placed before shutdown will deliver.
Funding for storage/distribution may be delayed.
Retroactive reimbursement expected when shutdown ends.

Other Federal Impacts

Federal contractors’ pay impacted immediately.
Active-duty military/reservists miss first paycheck by Oct. 15.
Federal civilian employees miss first full paycheck by late October.

Key Dates

October 1 — Shutdown begins. Contractors impacted immediately.
October 15 — Active-duty military/reservists miss first paycheck.
October 29 — Federal civilian employees miss first full paycheck.
October 31 — Military personnel miss second paycheck.

How People Can Help

Give: Every dollar supports more meals through our network.
Launch a Virtual Food Drive: Donations flow directly to our partner agencies.
Volunteer: From sorting donations to preparing community meals, volunteers are critical to sustaining our response.
Raise Your Voice for Families: Tell our leaders that nutrition is essential and stability matters. Call on them to end the shutdown and protect the programs that feed and strengthen our communities.