The federal government shutdown has brought to light what we at CFBNJ have long known – millions of Americans are one missed paycheck away from needing assistance to make ends meet. We’re anticipating that our neighbors who are directly impacted by the government shutdown will turn to food pantries for support, and we’ll be there.
With the help of our community, we can provide meals for our neighbors who need them, including over 9,500 federal workers and about 7,900 military members who don’t know when their next full paycheck will arrive.
The longer the shutdown continues, the more serious it will get. Nearly 4 in 10 people say they don’t have enough cash to cover a $400 emergency and missing one paycheck could mean they cannot cover the cost of food and household expenses without going into debt.
Federal nutrition programs work hand in hand with local food banks to help people access the food they need for themselves and their families. If these programs are disrupted by a government shutdown, food banks like ours will be left to fill in the gap.
Find Food: Help for Federal Employees
CFBNJ has a network of over 800 community partners ready to help if you need food assistance in the wake of the government shutdown. We anticipate that many may face food insecurity for the first time in their lives.
Give Now to Support Federal Workers
New Jersey’s overall food insecurity rate is 7.8%, and though unemployment is low, demand for food assistance is currently elevated because inflation has put added pressure on households. CFBNJ’s resources are already stretched and may become even more strained with federal employees’ livelihoods at risk.
If you are able to help, please donate today. Any amount makes a difference.