By Liz Reasoner, Executive Director, Food Bank of the Albemarle 

GIVE TODAY

Food Bank of the Albemarle, the regional Feeding America-affiliated food bank serving 15 counties across northeast North Carolina, is deeply concerned about the federal government shutdown and its potential impacts on families in our region.  

Impact of the Federal Government Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown continues, its consequences will be felt in the heart of northeastern North Carolina in the coming weeks. From Beaufort to Bertie, Camden to Currituck, and Chowan to Dare, families across our 15-county service area are bracing for missed paychecks, furloughs, and economic uncertainty.  

Elizabeth City, home to one of the largest Coast Guard installations in the country, will feel the strain most acutely. Nearly 2,000 personnel, active-duty members, civilian employees, and contractors anchor the local economy. When their paychecks stop, the ripple effects stretch far beyond the base gates. Restaurants, grocery stores, childcare centers, and small businesses all feel the pinch.  

The pinch won’t just affect Elizabeth City. In towns across the region, such as Edenton, Ahoskie, Columbia, and Plymouth, federal workers and their families will also feel the pinch. They work at USDA, Social Security offices, and Agriculture and environmental offices, and are facing furloughs or potentially working without pay. Many will need to turn to our network of food pantries for help, some for the first time in their lives.  

Understanding the Government Shutdown Impact

We are deeply concerned that this shutdown may reduce federal food supplies just as more families are turning to us for assistance. SNAP benefits will continue through October, and WIC is still operating; however, both could be affected if the shutdown lasts. Government commodity foods (TEFAP) orders that are already placed will still arrive; however, future orders are currently in limbo.  

Compounding a food gap created by the state budget. The NC General Assembly has long supported the collaboration between NC’s Food Banks and farmers with a state appropriation for local food purchases. But for the first time in 30 years, the continuation budget does not include the 1 million in funding- a loss of more than 800,000 meals. 

Our work depends on you

With community support, we will continue our mission to foster community collaboration, connecting people to healthy food and a brighter future.  Community members can get involved at www.afoodbank.org  

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Summary of Food Program Impacts  

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) 

• Benefits for SNAP are funded through October 31, but if the shutdown continues disruptions to benefits will begin on November 1. 

• Uncertainty creates anxiety for families who rely on benefits to put food on the table.  

WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program)  

• At the highest risk of near-immediate disruption.  

• Families could lose access to grocery staples for pregnant women, infants, and young children.  

• USDA contingency fund ($150M) could extend operations briefly, but not long-term.  

• Some states may temporarily advance funds, but assurance of reimbursement is unclear.  

Child Nutrition Programs (school meals, afterschool, summer) 

• Potential disruption beginning November 1 

• Reimbursement is delayed ~ 30 days after the service month.  

TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)/USDA Commodities  

• Orders placed before the shutdown will be delivered. 

• Funding for storage and distribution may be delayed.  

• Retroactive reimbursement is expected when the shutdown ends.  

Other Federal Impacts due to the Government Shutdown  

• Federal contractors’ pay is affected immediately.  

• Active-duty military reservists miss paychecks beginning in November 2025.  

• Federal civilian employees miss their first paycheck by late October.  

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How You Can Help

• Give: Every dollar helps us provide food to families in crisis across all 15 counties. In fact, just $1 provides three meals to families in need. 

• Volunteer: We rely on community members to help sort, pack, and distribute food. 

• Advocate: Urge lawmakers to end the shutdown and protect the livelihoods of those who serve our nation.