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

"The rush has already begun. Central Christian Church's food pantry in downtown Indianapolis scrambled Saturday to accommodate around twice as many people as it normally serves in a day. "There's an increased demand. And we know it's been happening really since the economy has downturned," volunteer Beth White said, adding that with an interruption in funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, "it's going to continue to get worse for folks.""

"That's set to pause at the start of next month after the Trump administration said Friday that it won't use a roughly $5 billion contingency fund to keep food aid flowing in November in the government shutdown. The administration also says states temporarily covering the cost of food assistance benefits next month will not be reimbursed. "Bottom line, the well has run dry," the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a statement. "At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.""

Food banks and pantries are preparing for a surge in need as SNAP benefits are set to pause at the start of next month due to the government shutdown. Charitable food providers already face increased demand after federal program cuts earlier this year, the pandemic, and inflation. SNAP typically helps about 40 million Americans buy groceries through monthly electronic benefits. The administration said it will not use a roughly $5 billion contingency fund to continue benefits in November and will not reimburse states that cover benefits temporarily.

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