Associated Press: Food banks are preparing for a surge as federal food aid could be paused in the government shutdown

The countdown is on keep food on the table for about 42 million Americans who receive SNAP grocery assistance. The Department of Agriculture says debit cards that people use to buy food won’t be replenished in November due to the government shutdown. 

By Margery A. Beck and Geoff Mulvihill , AP, October 28, 2025

Food pantries provide about 1 meal to every 9 provided by SNAP, according to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks. They get the food they distribute through donations from people, businesses and some farmers. They also get food from U.S. Department of Agriculture programs and sometimes buy food with contributions and grant funding.

“When you take SNAP away, the implications are cataclysmic,” Feeding America CEO Claire Babineaux-Fontenot said. “I assume people are assuming that somebody’s going to stop it before it gets too bad. Well, it’s already too bad. And it’s getting worse.”

Some distributors are already seeing startling low food supplies. George Matysik, executive director of Share Food Program in the Philadelphia area, said a state government budget impasse had already cut funding for his program.

“I’ve been here seven years,” Matysik said. “I’ve never seen our warehouses as empty as they are right now.”

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About Share Food Program

Share Food Program is the leading hunger relief organization in the Greater Philadelphia region, working to eradicate food insecurity through food distribution, education, and advocacy. Through partnerships with over 800 schools and 360+ community-based organizations and partner pantries, Share Food Program feeds hundreds of thousands of neighbors in need each month. 

To learn more and get involved, visit sharefoodprogram.org, give us a call 215-223-2220, or follow us on Facebook @sharefood and Instagram @sharefoodphilly.