DHS Shutdown Update

DHS Shutdown Update – Shutdown for Non-ICE & CBP Over

Posted April 30, 2026

We are pleased to share news that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bill has successfully passed the House and is now headed to the President’s desk for signing. This marks a significant step towards officially ending the longest DHS shutdown in history, currently standing at 76 days. The following agencies will be funded through this package, which has now passed through both chambers.

·      Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

·      Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

·      Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC)

·      Federal Protective Service (FPS)

·      Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

·      U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

·      U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

·      U.S. Secret Service (USSS)

·      Management Directorate (MGMT)

·      Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)

·      Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD)

·      Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A)

·      Office of Homeland Security Situational Awareness (OSA)

·      Office of Health Security (OHS)

·      Office of Inspector General (OIG)

·      Office of the Secretary (OSEC)

It’s important to note that this funding bill does not include provisions for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). However, we understand that a separate reconciliation package is being negotiated to fund these two agencies for the next three fiscal years.

While direct funding to Second Harvest Food Bank was not affected during the shutdown, we are relieved to know our neighbors will no longer be impacted by the repercussions of this prolonged situation. This action is essential for everyone in our community who works diligently to protect us in their day-to-day work.

We extend thanks to our House and Senate members and their dedicated staff for their efforts to resolve this shutdown, and to our community for your continued support of our work nourishing families and strengthening our communities.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our community. We will keep you updated on any critical updates that impact our collective work.

Supporting Our Community During the Federal Shutdown

Posted March 20, 2026

As the Department of Homeland Security shutdown continues, its impact is being felt here at home.

Across Northwest North Carolina, thousands of federal employees—including TSA officers and others who help keep our communities safe—are navigating missed paychecks and growing financial uncertainty. These are individuals and families who contribute to the strength and stability of our region every day.

At Second Harvest, this is where our work meets the moment.

Second Harvest stands ready, with its partners, to talk with any impacted workers to understand their needs and how we can help. We know that when income is disrupted, even temporarily, the need for reliable access to food can increase quickly. Our role is to ensure that support remains steady.

What to Know Right Now

• Food assistance is available across our network of more than 500 partners.

• SNAP and WIC benefits are continuing as scheduled at this time.

• Distributions and pantry services are ongoing throughout the region.

• Our team is available to help connect individuals and families to nearby resources.
  

For those experiencing a sudden change in income, reaching out for support may feel unfamiliar. That’s understandable. It’s also exactly why our network exists. Access to food should not be uncertain because of circumstances beyond someone’s control.

A Community Response

This moment reflects something fundamental about our work—and about this community.

We plan for times like this so that when circumstances shift, support does not. Food banks and partner agencies are designed to respond with consistency, dignity, and care, ensuring that individuals and families can continue to access the food they need.

At the same time, this response is made possible by a broader network of people—volunteers, partners, and supporters—who help sustain this work every day.

How to Access Support

If you or someone you know is being impacted by the federal shutdown:

• Visit our Find Help page to locate nearby food assistance.

• Contact our team for guidance on available resources at 336.784.5770.

Looking Ahead

We will continue to monitor developments, stay in close communication with partners, and respond as needed to ensure our community remains supported.

Situations like this can shift quickly. What remains constant is our commitment to being here—ensuring that, no matter the circumstance, people across Northwest North Carolina have access to food and a place to turn.