SNAP Benefits Paused for 42 Million Americans — Here’s How You Can Help Your Local Community

Tracking what’s happening with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) hasn’t been easy. The program was abruptly halted on November 1, 2025, amidst the ongoing government shutdown, which meant more than 42 million people who depend on SNAP did not receive benefits. Since then, at least one judge has ordered the administration to continue the payments this month, but, as of November 6, those have not been sent out.

In the meantime, some states are implementing emergency plans to fund the program, while others have paused payments altogether. The uncertainty is putting even more pressure on local food banks, shelters, and community kitchens that are already stretched thin from funding cuts earlier this year. “The number of people in need is unfortunately up, and only rising,” says John Schooley, decades-long worker and now Secretary of the Union County Community Shelter in North Carolina.  

Food banks and other emergency food assistance programs across the country are struggling to meet that need with fewer resources. If you’ve been wondering how to help, you’ve come to the right place. We asked Schooley to share what emergency food assistance programs actually need right now. 

Donations of any kind are appreciated, but, the truth is, money is the most helpful. Many food banks can purchase items at wholesale or discounted rates, which means your dollar stretches much further than it would at the grocery store. Schooley explains that at Second Harvest Food Bank in Charlotte, North Carolina, “every $1 donated can provide up to seven pounds of food.” That means even small contributions can have a huge impact.

Beyond the ability to buy more for less, Schooley explains money gives food banks the “flexibility to get what they specifically need” and makes them less dependent on unpredictable food donations.

“Most food banks keep a rotating list of needed items, and those needs change often,” says Schooley. Before you shop or drop off donations, take a moment to check your local food bank’s website (or call) to find out what items are needed and accepted. Some may only take canned or non-perishable goods, while others have the proper refrigeration set up to store produce and perishable items. 

It might sound obvious, but it’s also worth repeating: Please double check expiration dates before donating any food items. Food banks have to discard expired or spoiled food, which uses up volunteer time and storage space. Don’t just grab the cans hiding in the back of your pantry — take the extra moment to read labels so you can donate items you’d feel good about feeding your own family. On that note …

Quality matters. When possible, aim to donate items that are nutritious, filling, and familiar — things you’d buy for your own kitchen. As Schooley points out, “Even people in need still care about the quality of food; they just can’t afford it in the same way.” The ability to prepare a good meal does wonders for a person’s mental and physical health. 

Not everyone who visits a food pantry has access to a full kitchen, cooking tools, or even reliable electricity. “That’s why ready-to-eat and easy-to-open foods are especially valuable,” explains Schooley. Look for pop-top cans, single-serve meals, microwavable options, nutrient-dense protein bars, and snack packs. 

People of all ages, lifestyles, and backgrounds go to food banks. And while it might be natural to reach for the biggest jar because it seems like the best value, it might not be the most practical. “The reality is, not everyone is trying to feed an entire family,” Schooley says. “If it’s an elderly person or somebody who’s single, they’re probably not going through that entire jar before it goes bad.” 

“Portion sizes, serving sizes, or even travel sizes are all worth considering,” he says. For example, a six-pack of applesauce cups may be far more useful than a large jar that could spoil before it’s finished. “It’s not about how much comes in a container — it’s about what’s actually usable for the person receiving it.”

Donations help fill shelves, and volunteers keep things running. Sorting, packing, and distributing food all take hands-on work — and right now, the need for help is rising fast. “Volunteers are always a need, but over the past few months that need has only drastically increased, and will continue to do so over the next few months,” says Schooley. If you have an extra hour or three, reach out to your local food bank or shelter. They’ll tell you exactly how you can help most.

Food banks and community shelters typically accept only non-perishable goods, and do not allow home-cooked meals for safety reasons. However, local Buy Nothing groups on Facebook offer another way to help. These groups connect neighbors to give and receive items, including meals, at no cost. If you’d like to support a person or family directly, you can post an offer to share food in one of these groups or respond to someone’s request for assistance.

• Feeding America: Visit FeedingAmerica.org and enter your ZIP code to find a food bank in your area.
• No Kid Hungry: Nearly 16 million children are in need of assistance. A $50 donation to No Kid Hungry can supply 500 meals. 
• World Central Kitchen: The international organization is set up across the globe, including throughout major cities in America, and provides hot meals. Donate to support this work. 
• Check your state’s website: Your state’s government website will have more resources local to your area, including food banks, pantries, and emergency food programs. 

How are you supporting your community? Tell us in the comments below.