Leaders with FeedMore WNY in Erie County, a longtime community agency working to combat hunger, say the latest government shutdown brings with it a sense of uncertainty for the thousands of federal employees and contractors who are furloughed or working without pay.

“We do brace for an increased demand at our respective programs,” said Catherine Shick, public relations manager, FeedMore WNY.

What You Need To Know

The partial government shutdown could impact many federal programs and services 

Food assistance programs are on alert as they brace for increased demand

SNAP and WIC benefits are not expected to be impacted this month

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, payments, as well as the Women Infants and Children, or WIC, program, are not expected to face any immediate delays this month as a result of the shutdown.

While FeedMore WNY relies on local, state and federal funding, it also depends on deliveries from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as do their clients, who may no longer be drawing a paycheck.

“And for so many people in our community, they are living paycheck to paycheck, and it may mean one missed paycheck before they are in need of food assistance,” said Shick.

While USDA does not accept new food orders during a shutdown, FeedMore WNY says it does not expect the shutdown to delay current federal food orders or deliveries.

“However, if the government shutdown is to be prolonged, then there could be more impacts to food assistance programs beyond this immediate impact,” said Shick.

FeedMore has also been in contact with hunger relief agencies they deliver to and say there is no disruption in service there as well, at this time.