Demand for food bank services has been increasing in the past several months while contributions have decreased, putting a strain on organizations across the United States. Food insecurity affects nearly 1 in 7 US households and 1 in 5 US children. With grocery prices high and continuing to rise, prospects for a decline in those numbers is not likely. Making things worse, food banks may soon have to deal with another pressing problem: a lapse in SNAP funding.

If the current government shutdown is not resolved by November 1, SNAP benefits (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funded by the federal government and distributed by the states) will not be paid to recipients. This means that for many households, there will be much less (or no) money to buy food, and the people affected will need to find other sources such as food banks. While food banks acknowledge that they cannot meet the entire need, they are gearing up for this potential outcome so they can help as many people as possible.

If you are able to contribute to a local food bank, food shelf, or meal program, please do so. The need is great even if the shutdown ends and SNAP benefits are not affected. Check with local organizations to find out what items they need most - although money is nearly always the best thing to contribute. Many food banks have deals with wholesalers that allow them to purchase food at a discount, so your money can go farther than if you just buy food yourself. If you cannot afford to give money, your time is also valuable. Food banks rely on volunteers to help organize, package, and distribute food.