Supporting Our Community During the Federal Shutdown

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.