How Donors Can Respond to Increased Food Insecurity Right Now 

As the federal government shutdown continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned that funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could run out as early as November 1. If this occurs, it will halt benefits for more than 42 million people nationwide, including children, seniors, and working families. 
 
Food banks, community pantries, meal programs, and other human service organizations may experience a sharp increase in demand, stretching already limited resources.  

National Organizations and Response Networks 

For NPT donors looking to help, we are sharing a non-exhaustive list of nonprofits and local organizations working to provide relief on the national level. Additionally, many of these organizations provide insight on giving and support on state, regional, and local levels: 
 
 
Feeding America (EIN: 36-3673599) has launched a dedicated fund to support those affected by the current government shutdown, an ever-widening landscape of individuals.   
 
Food Pantries of America (EIN: 47-2110577) is a nonprofit organization that has created an interactive map aiming to help people nationwide find local food pantries for the purposes of either obtaining the food they need, or volunteering.  
 
Food Research and Action Center (EIN 52-1927078) is equipping state and local agencies with strategies to mitigate benefit gaps and protect low-income households from food insecurity. 

Food Recovery (EIN-47-4262060)  partners with restaurants, schools, retailers, farm stands, and caterers to get food surplus into communities where people need it most. 
 
Share our Strength/No Kid Hungry (EIN 52-1367538) is working with schools, community centers, and local partners to fund emergency school-meal programs and after-school feeding sites. 
 
Meals on Wheels America (EIN 84-1381534) is ramping up home-delivered meal services and volunteer recruitment to ensure that older adults—many living alone or on fixed incomes—continue receiving nutritious meals and wellness checks. 
 
Global Giving Foundation (EIN 30-0108263) is helping local pantries, community kitchens, and family-service nonprofits sustain operations. 
 
OxFam America (EIN 23-7069110) is supporting partners that provide emergency food relief and amplifying the voices of affected workers and families. 
 
Save the Children USA (EIN 06-0726487) is working with schools, child-care providers, and local agencies to deliver healthy meals, nutrition education, and family resources that help protect children’s health and learning during this period of instability. 
 
The Arc of the United States (EIN 53-0196608) is providing information, policy guidance, and community connections to ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families maintain access to food and essential support services. 

How DAF Donors Can Make a Difference 

Donors play a crucial role in stabilizing communities during crises. Whether you give locally or nationally, here are several evidence-based strategies to guide your response: 
 

1. Start Local 

When SNAP funds lapse, the first organizations to feel the strain are local. Neighborhood food banks, community meal programs, and faith-based food pantries will see more visitors overnight. Donors can use their DAFs to recommend grants to trusted local partners that are already embedded in the community. 
 

2. Support State and Regional Networks 

Many states are mobilizing to bridge the SNAP gap through emergency food funds. Donating to state-level food bank associations or regional networks ensures your contribution supports coordinated logistics, shared purchasing power, and equitable distribution across counties. 
 

3. Balance Immediate Relief and Long-Term Resilience with Flexibility 

Short-term food insecurity often leads to longer-term instability. While immediate relief funding provides meals today, regular funding helps organizations strengthen infrastructure, expand cold storage, and hire staff to meet sustained demand. Unrestricted funding empowers nonprofits to adapt quickly; whether they need to buy more food, pay overtime for staff, or upgrade delivery vehicles. Flexibility is often the difference between a short-term fix and a lasting solution. 

 
To learn more about how your DAF can support immediate relief and long-term recovery, visit NPT’s Disaster Relief Giving resources or contact your philanthropic advisor.