We have had several phone calls and inquiries about the effects of the government shutdown on our community members.

At this point, the most direct effect we are seeing is the uncertainty it is causing people using SNAP (government issued food support) and the concerns of how the shutdown will impact their monthly benefits. Here are the facts we know about SNAP:

  1. February’s monthly payments are coming early – on or around January 20. (There will be no payments made in the month of February.)
  2. New SNAP applications are being processed, but benefits will not appear until the shutdown ends.

Because of these changes, we anticipate the need for additional food resources (both food and financial) in our community will increase the second half of February and early March.

Another effect of the government shutdown that could impact our neighbors is the number of Federal employees living in our area who are currently not receiving a paycheck. Please encourage anyone who is experiencing hardship because of the government shutdown to utilize the services Neighbors provides (food, clothing, ECA (emergency cash assistance)).

For those who have the resources to make a difference, we are always in need of food donations, funds and volunteers to help us serve the community.

Please call or email if you have any questions.