Attributed to Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America
When the federal government shuts down, uncertainty begins immediately. Families, federal workers—including active-duty military—people who work for federal contractors and seniors suddenly face impossible choices not knowing if paychecks or food benefits will arrive on time.
Many people in America are a single missed paycheck away from needing support from their local food banks. A prolonged shutdown will deepen the strain, and more families will seek help at a time when food banks are already stretched due to sustained high need.
The Feeding America network of more than 200 food banks and 60,000 faith-based and charitable food pantries and programs will continue to open our doors for people across the country, but ensuring no one goes hungry will require all of us to work together. Now more than ever, we need to stand united—lawmakers, businesses, faith and community organizations and individuals.
We urge Congress to end the shutdown. Shutdowns, especially those that are prolonged, create instability in people’s lives each day they continue and could force many to make impossible choices between putting food on the table and paying their bills. If you or someone you know might be impacted by the shutdown, you can find support through your local food bank at feedingamerica.org/needhelp.
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.