How hunger relief groups say you can help feed your neighbors if the shutdown pauses food aid
October 31, 2025
Many people might be wondering how they can help their neighbors put food on the table with federal food aid set to be frozen on Nov. 1. The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to freeze the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a cornerstone of the nation’s social safety net relied upon by 1 in 8 Americans for groceries. Philanthropy cannot fill that gap entirely. But there are ways everyday people can ease the hardship in their communities. Charitable food groups recommend donating money to food banks, volunteering at food pantries, joining mutual aid groups or giving directly to people in need through online fundraising campaigns.