SPOKANE, Wash. — Local food banks are bracing for empty shelves later this week as the ongoing government shutdown disrupts food assistance programs and increases demand from families in need.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center’s pantry already shows signs of strain, with supplies running low as the federal shutdown pauses Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Without resolution, SNAP recipients won’t receive funding starting next week, forcing more people to turn to food banks for help.
“It’s difficult to say, ‘The food bank is closed today because we don’t have any food. We’re waiting for another shipment or we’re waiting for donations,'” said Freda Gandy, executive director of the MLK Jr. Community Center.
The situation is a familiar but worsening challenge for local food banks.
“We have run out of food before, and I’m afraid that’s going to happen again,” Gandy said.
Food banks across the country are preparing for increased demand in the coming weeks as the shutdown affects multiple aspects of food assistance. Thousands of federal employees are working without pay, adding to the number of families seeking help from food pantries.
The uncertainty has created anxiety among community members who depend on these services.
“We don’t know if we’re going to eat and [there may be] nothing else next week. You know what I mean? It’s like, what are you going to do?” said Angie, who was picking up food for her family at the MLK Jr. community Center.
The shutdown’s impact extends beyond SNAP benefits to the operational capacity of food banks themselves. Many pantries are struggling to apply for and receive federal grants that help them purchase food and maintain operations.
The GreenHouse Food Bank in Deer Park faces this exact challenge, according to Director Diane Pfaeffle.
“We have not seen the money yet because of all the things that are going on in Washington, D.C.,” Pfaeffle said.
Despite the challenges, food bank directors emphasize that community donations can make a significant difference. A single pallet of food can weigh between 200 and 300 pounds, depending on the contents. The Church of Latter-day Saints plans to donate 13 pallets to the GreenHouse Food Bank, providing substantial temporary relief.
However, pantries acknowledge uncertainty about how long current supplies will last as demand continues to grow.
“We’re willing to help you. You have to be patient with us because we’re growing too,” Pfaeffle said.
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