The New York Times: Hunger and Cold Loom as Shutdown Imperils Funding for Antipoverty Programs
- News and Media
Within days, tens of millions of low-income Americans may lose assistance for food, child care and utilities if the federal government remains shut down.
By Linda Qiu and Eileen Sullivan, October 27, 2025
Food banks across the country, which were already reporting an increase in need, are now bracing for a surge in demand as states have warned about the looming funding shortfall for SNAP and other programs.
The shutdown is compounding the challenges faced by the Share Food Program, a hunger relief organization in Philadelphia that already saw cuts to its federal funding, said George Matysik, the program’s executive director.
Food banks are familiar with crises caused by natural disasters, he noted.
“But we’ve never had to train for a crisis of our own federal government’s creation,” he said.
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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.