UPDATE: The ongoing federal government shutdown is wreaking havoc on food security in Montgomery County, with dire implications for thousands of residents. Shannon Isaacs, Executive Director of the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network, revealed today that local food pantries are bracing for severe funding cuts that could leave many without essential assistance.
As the shutdown surpasses the two-week mark, local food pantries anticipate that between 2,000 and 3,000 county residents may soon lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This alarming trend comes as 85,000 people in Montgomery County are already facing food insecurity, a troubling increase of 66 percent since 2021, according to Feeding America.
“There’s a sense of fear that cuts could happen suddenly, and we don’t know what’s coming next,” Isaacs stated during an interview. With SNAP benefits being a lifeline for many, she highlighted that nine out of ten emergency meals come from this critical program.
Isaacs explained that the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network is taking proactive steps, including bulk purchasing food and enrolling eligible guests in SNAP, to mitigate the impending crisis. “We are the last line of defense for ensuring that every American has access to food,” she emphasized.
The nonprofit organization typically receives around $200,000 annually in federal funding. However, cuts to programs—specifically a 50 percent reduction in funding from the Emergency Food Assistance Program—threaten the stability of food supplies across the county.
Isaacs warned, “Without private philanthropy’s intervention, many in Montgomery County, including children, will face impossible choices without access to adequate emergency food.” She predicts that if the shutdown continues, food pantries could experience serious shortages, warning that “pantries could run out of food.”
As concerns mount, the National WIC Association noted that their funding can only sustain operations for a short period, further complicating the situation for families with children who are heavily reliant on food assistance.
Montgomery County’s food pantries previously faced intense demand when COVID-era SNAP benefits lapsed in 2023, with many reporting that 54 percent ran out of food. Isaacs cautioned that the same crisis could occur again. “I am concerned about shortages,” she said.
Isaacs urged community members to contribute to local food pantries, stating, “Our neighbors are going to depend on it.” The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as thousands risk losing their lifeline to food in the coming weeks.
As the federal shutdown drags on, residents and officials alike are left grappling with the ramifications that could unfold in December and January. “If SNAP drops off for a week or two, the impact will be devastating,” Isaacs warned.
The MontCo Anti-Hunger Network, in collaboration with local leaders, continues to fight against the rising tide of food insecurity, but immediate action is needed. Isaacs’ call for support resonates deeply as the community faces an urgent food crisis.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and consider helping local pantries to ensure that no one in Montgomery County goes hungry.
