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FMP Responds to FoodShare Delays

Feed My People Food Bank (FMP) is urging community awareness and preparedness following the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announcement that November FoodShare benefits will be delayed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The delay could leave thousands of Wisconsin families waiting longer than expected for the funds they rely on to buy groceries. 

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as FoodShare in Wisconsin, is the primary source of grocery assistance for many households. In the 14 counties served by Feed My People, more than 46,000 individuals depend on FoodShare. With benefits delayed beginning November 1, many families could be left without reliable funds to buy food.

According to Feeding America, charitable food programs like food banks and pantries provide only 1 in 9 pounds (11%) of total food assistance in the U.S., while federal nutrition programs, including FoodShare, account for the remaining 89%.

"This is an enormous gap," said Padraig Gallagher, Executive Director of Feed My People. "If FoodShare benefits are interrupted, our food bank simply does not have the capacity to fill that demand. We're already serving record numbers of people, and a disruption in benefits will place unprecedented strain on our food bank and other hunger-relief programs across the region."

To prepare for the expected surge, Feed My People has increased food orders and expanded storage capacity, including converting a large cooler back into freezer space to accommodate more non-perishable items.

"We're doing everything we can to be ready," Gallagher said. "Our warehouse will be fully stocked as November begins, but we need to stay flexible as this situation unfolds. Food banks are meant to supplement, not replace, federal nutrition programs. Even at full capacity, we can only sustain a high level of demand for a short time."

Feed My People partners with more than 250 hunger-relief programs across West Central Wisconsin, including community pantries, meal sites, and school programs. These partners have already seen rising demand as families struggle with higher costs of living and reduced assistance levels.

Community support remains essential during this period of uncertainty. Every donation strengthens FMP's ability to ensure local families have access to nutritious food. Continual support enables FMP to respond effectively in times of crisis and to advance its mission of providing food to anyone who needs it.

Current FoodShare recipients are encouraged to monitor official updates from the Wisconsin DHS for the latest information on benefit distribution. Feed My People will continue coordinating with state and local partners to respond as the situation evolves.