News Summary
The ongoing federal government shutdown is affecting food assistance for nearly 700,000 residents in Wisconsin. The FoodShare program, reliant on federal funds, may run out of money by the end of October. With Thanksgiving approaching, food pantries are bracing for a surge in demand amidst rising grocery prices and increased food insecurity among families who depend on these benefits. Community organizations are mobilizing for additional support while state officials are seeking interim solutions to maintain vital nutrition programs.
Milwaukee – The ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its fourth week, is poised to significantly impact food aid for nearly 700,000 residents in Wisconsin. The state’s food assistance program, FoodShare, funded by federal dollars, is projected to run out of money by the end of October if the shutdown persists. This program is a part of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, providing $114 million in benefits to Wisconsinites each month. The uncertainty surrounding FoodShare is causing anxiety among families who rely on these benefits for their nutrition.
With Thanksgiving approaching, food pantries across the state are bracing for a surge in demand. High grocery prices have already led to increased visits to food pantries, and operators are concerned about their ability to meet the anticipated needs of families affected by the shutdown. These pantries typically offer only a few days’ worth of food, not intended to be a primary source of nourishment. As requests for assistance rise, many pantries may need to seek additional donations or tap into emergency funds to keep up with the increased demand.
Food pantries such as House of Peace in Milwaukee, which serves approximately 1,000 households monthly, mainly from central Milwaukee and the north side, are facing additional pressures. In Milwaukee County, about a quarter of the population relies on FoodShare benefits, making the potential loss of aid critically impactful on food security. Many families, including those led by individuals like Karmen Johnson from Milwaukee, report that FoodShare is their main source of food.
Community organizations like NourishMKE have already witnessed a spike in visits across their four pantries, as individuals rush to stock up on food ahead of the potential cutoff for benefits. Last year, NourishMKE recorded 59,000 visits to its food pantries, illustrating a significant increase from previous years. These rising numbers reflect the urgent need for food assistance in the community, which is further complicated by recent changes to the SNAP program, including new work requirements for older recipients imposed by a spending bill in July.
Grocers and food pantry operators, such as Linda Barnes from Capuchin Community Services’ House of Peace, anticipate needing to reach out to donors for increased contributions to support their operations. As the state awaits a resolution to the shutdown, Governor Tony Evers has urged U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to find interim solutions to maintain SNAP benefits. However, Rollins has indicated that SNAP cannot function without a fully operational government. State officials have also warned of potential delays in issuing November FoodShare benefits, regardless of whether the shutdown ends soon.
The uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown leaves many families anxious and unsure about their future food security. As community needs grow, residents are encouraged to support local food pantries through donations and volunteering efforts. October has become a significant month for fundraising efforts, as USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin partners with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin to achieve a goal of raising enough money to provide 550,000 meals for those in need.
In light of the current challenges, detailed information on how to donate or get involved in supporting local food pantries is available, including links for online contributions and mailing addresses for support.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Wisconsin Public Radio
- Google Search: Wisconsin FoodShare shutdown
- Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hunger
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
