Gov Shutdown Threatens Nutrition Programs & Banks

**Federal Shutdown Threatens Food Lifeline for Thousands in Montgomery County, Food Bank Prepares for Crisis**

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – September 28, 2023** – As the September 30 deadline for Congress to pass a federal spending bill rapidly approaches, the looming threat of a government shutdown casts a long, unsettling shadow over vital nutrition programs and the operations of local food banks, including the Montgomery County Food Bank (MCFB). Officials at MCFB are bracing for an unprecedented surge in demand for food assistance at the very moment federal support could dwindle.

Kristine Marlow, President and CEO of MCFB, underscored the dire situation. “A government shutdown, especially a prolonged one, would create a perfect storm for our community,” Marlow stated. “We anticipate a significant spike in families needing help, coinciding with a potential cut in the very federal programs designed to support them, particularly those administered through the USDA.”

The immediate concern revolves around several critical federal programs. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides crucial monthly benefits for millions. While Texas typically receives about a month’s advance federal funding for SNAP, a shutdown extending beyond a few weeks could delay or even halt payments averaging around $180 per person monthly in the state. Such a disruption would be catastrophic for low-income families relying on these benefits to put food on their tables.

Even more immediate would be the impact on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). This program, serving pregnant women, new mothers, and young children, could see benefits cease almost right away. “WIC is a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents,” Marlow explained. “Loss of these benefits means infants and young children could go without essential nutrition.”

Additionally, programs like The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) are directly at risk. These programs provide commodity foods to food banks like MCFB, often making up 20% or more of the food distributed annually. A cut in these provisions would leave a substantial void in the food bank’s supply chain, forcing them to purchase more food at a time of increased demand.

The Montgomery County Food Bank already serves an average of 11,000 households weekly across the county, distributing between 10 to 12 million pounds of food annually. Marlow noted that the organization has already experienced a 10% increase in demand since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A federal shutdown would exacerbate this trend, placing immense strain on their resources.

Beyond direct program cuts, a shutdown also means potential furloughs or delayed paychecks for thousands of federal employees, including those living and working in the Montgomery County area. These individuals and their families, suddenly facing financial uncertainty, would likely turn to food banks for assistance, further compounding the crisis.

In preparation for this challenging period, MCFB has announced it is ready to adapt by reallocating existing resources and actively seeking alternative food sources from various community partners and suppliers. However, the organization stresses that this cannot fully bridge the expected gap.

“We cannot do this alone,” Marlow urged. “The strength of our community will be our greatest asset in navigating this potential crisis. We are appealing to the generosity of Montgomery County residents now more than ever.”

The food bank relies heavily on its network of 65 partner agencies, 16 Mobile Pantry sites, and community donations to fulfill its mission. MCFB is emphasizing the critical need for continued community support through financial donations, which allow them the flexibility to purchase high-need items and offset lost federal commodities, and through volunteer efforts, which are essential to sorting, packing, and distributing food.

Residents wishing to support the Montgomery County Food Bank and help their neighbors during this uncertain time can visit mcfoodbank.org to make a financial donation or sign up to volunteer.