Nonprofits on the Frontlines Face Greater Strain as Federal Food Assistance for Millions is at Risk

Strategic Insights -

Nonprofits providing critical nutrition assistance to tens of millions of Americans are warning of devastating consequences if Congress and the White House fail to act on federal funding for programs like SNAP and WIC. Amidst a government shutdown, these local organizations are already struggling with fewer resources and greater needs, and a surge in demand is expected if federal benefits are suspended. Without federal resources, seniors, children, veterans, and families will go hungry, and community-based nonprofits are bracing for the impact.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 40 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) each month, with nearly 7 million low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children supported by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
  • Nonprofits like NOWCAP Services in Wyoming, Johnston Partnership in Iowa, and Pilgrim Terrace Cooperative Homes in California are on the frontlines of serving communities but are struggling with the strain of a government shutdown and reduced resources.
  • Local organizations anticipate a surge in demand for food assistance if federal benefits are suspended, with NOWCAP Services experiencing difficulties scheduling SNAP interviews and Johnston Partnership facing 42 consecutive months of rising demand.
  • Without congressional action, funding for SNAP and WIC will run out on November 1, leaving families uncertain about how they will put food on the table.
  • Nonprofits are working tirelessly to bridge the gap for those in need, but their resources are stretched thin, and the risk of closing their doors due to overburdened charitable food networks is real.
  • The National Council of Nonprofits is warning Congress and the Administration to act now to prevent millions of Americans from losing food on their tables.

Statistics:

  • 40 million Americans rely on SNAP each month.
  • Nearly 7 million low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children are supported by WIC.
  • 42 consecutive months of rising demand have strained the charitable food network at Johnston Partnership in Iowa.
  • Funding for SNAP and WIC will run out on November 1 if Congress and the White House fail to act.

Sources:

  • National Council of Nonprofits. (2023). Nonprofits on the Frontlines Face Greater Strain as Federal Food Assistance for Millions is at Risk. Retrieved from https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/pressreleases/nonprofits-frontlines-face-greater-strain-federal-food-assistance-millions-risk
  • National Council of Nonprofits. (2023). Government Shutdown Resource for Media. Retrieved from https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/files/media/documents/2025/government-shutdown-resource-for-media-2025.pdf
  • NOWCAP Services. (2023). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.nowcapservices.org/about-us
  • Johnston Partnership. (2023). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.johnstonpartnership.org/about-us
  • Pilgrim Terrace Cooperative Homes. (2023). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.pilgrimterrace.org/about-us