The ongoing government shutdown is causing a significant rise in demand at food banks and pantries across the DMV area, with some reporting a doubling of visitors.

The Lowcountry Food Bank and other local organizations are preparing for increased food assistance needs, emphasizing the importance of community support during this uncertain period.

Community organizations and local officials are calling on residents to donate and support food relief efforts to help families affected by the shutdown.

Federal safety-net programs such as SNAP are expected to face cuts, reducing benefits by about $187 per month for 50,000 families, which could mean nearly 40 fewer meals per family each month.

While President Trump authorized pay for military personnel during the shutdown, uncertainty remains around other aid programs like WIC and SNAP.

Since its founding in 2011, Nourish Now has moved 28 million pounds of food, but the shutdown has strained its capacity to meet the rising demand.

Food banks anticipate needing to distribute more food and seek additional resources to support the increasing number of families in need.

Despite the challenges, community support remains vital, and organizations like Meyers emphasize optimism and the importance of collective effort to sustain food supplies.

Food pantries like Champion House of Care are seeing more military families, VA hospital visitors, and others preparing for economic impacts seek help.

The Capital Area Food Bank reports that 36% of Montgomery County residents are food insecure, with severe insecurity rising across the region.

Organizations like Champion House of Care are concerned about potential reductions in food supplies if the shutdown persists, which could lead to less food per family or additional food drives.

The shutdown's impact on food assistance is particularly felt among vulnerable populations, including low-income families and seniors, highlighting the critical role of food banks in mitigating these effects.