Government Shutdown
During times of uncertainty, it helps to know that there are resources available to get you through. The Food Bank of North Alabama, a non-profit that’s been around for over 40 years, focuses on providing solutions to hunger by supplying millions of pounds of food a year to a network of over 230 food pantries, shelters, and children’s programs. Our partners are spread throughout our 11-county service area and many exist right here, in Madison County. Whether this is your first time needing food assistance or you’ve had to overcome this hardship before, our partners aim to provide a welcoming environment to all. Through using the Food Finder you’ll be able to locate food pantries nearest you. While prior circumstances may have made you ineligible for SNAP benefits, current circumstances may alter your eligibility. You can reach out to the SNAP team here to see if you qualify for benefits. Also, by keeping an eye on our social media page, you’ll be able to stay abreast of when the food bank is scheduled to provide food to the community, directly. If, for some reason, you have difficulty reaching a pantry nearest to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here, at the food bank, so that we can help to facilitate the connection.
What Is the Impact of a Government Shutdown?
When the federal government shuts down, the effects are immediate for millions of people. Employees of federal contractors—like custodial staff or cafeteria workers in government buildings—often experience lost wages right away. Federal employees, including TSA officers and air traffic controllers, continue to work without pay. On October 15, 2025, federal employees received only a partial paycheck, and will miss their full paycheck scheduled for October 29 if the shutdown continues.
The Food Bank of North Alabama serves 11 counties. Each of these communities is feeling the pressure from the federal shutdown through job furloughs, disrupted services, and rising demand for food assistance.
Federal employees live and work in North Alabama.
households in Alabama depend on SNAP
Nutrition Program Disruptions
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
October benefits were distributed as normal. However, November SNAP benefits are at risk due to the USDA halting state data processing. Over 370,000 Alabama households depend on SNAP—including:
- Madison County: ~11% of households
- Franklin County: 21%+
- Lawrence, DeKalb, Marshall: ~17–18%
- Lauderdale, Colbert, Morgan, Limestone, Cullman: ~13–15%
A loss of November benefits could flood food banks with new clients.
TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)
USDA’s TEFAP supplies large quantities of food—produce, canned goods, proteins—that FBNA distributes through our network. October deliveries were secured, but continued operations depend on USDA staffing. If the shutdown persists, future orders and shipments could be delayed, impacting food supplies to local pantries.
CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program)
The CSFP provides monthly USDA food boxes to low-income seniors across North Alabama. Though USDA planned ahead to fund CSFP distributions into October, any extended shutdown could interrupt future deliveries or administrative support. The Food Bank continues distribution as scheduled, but we urge senior clients to stay connected for updates.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
WIC could run out of funds soon. Alabama has been relying on emergency USDA reserves and shifted WIC benefit renewals to monthly. Without a budget resolution, WIC clinics may have to stop issuing vouchers—cutting off access to infant formula and groceries for thousands of families in our region.
Other ways to get involved
There are so many ways to make a difference! Explore other ways to get involved and support the fight against hunger. Every action counts.
Every dollar you donate to the Food Bank of North Alabama allows us to procure enough food for almost 5 meals.
Help us spread the word! Share our food drive on social media and make a bigger impact by sharing on social media.
Lend a hand, make a difference! Sign up to volunteer and be a part of something great.
Be a hero in your community, host a food drive! It’s easy to start and makes a big impact.
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