Government shutdown over, insecurity remains

With federal funding restored, uncertainty over future support keeps demand high for food
 
St. Susanne food pantry, Mt. Vernon, has seen an increase in use during the government shutdown, but even with last week’s signing of a funding bill, the fear of going hungry still remains.
Joey Wilke, senior box coordinator and 10-year volunteer at the pantry, said during this government shutdown—which lasted a record 43 days—the pantry saw an uptick in the amount of people served and how much each household needed. Much of this, said Wilke, was due to the uncertainty that was created by the cutting of SNAP funding.
“I am seeing people who have not been to our pantry before—or who have not been to our pantry for several years,” said Wilke.
Though the government has reopened with the signing of a funding plan, the government is only in a position to continue operations until late January, at which point another plan must be passed. Because of the most recent stoppage, lawmakers made sure to fully fund certain federal programs such as SNAP until September of 2026. This shutdown, though, along with the short deadline for lawmakers to negotiate another plan, has left many worried about what the future may hold, said Wilke.
This situation has even created more difficulty than the COVID-19 pandemic, said Wilke.
“People were frightened during the pandemic, but they seemed patient with the process and thankful for our presence,” said Wilke. “Our resources to provide food then were varied but ample. Now with supporting agencies and businesses being hit financially—or no longer existing—they cannot give as they used to.”
Those who wish to support the food pantry can do so in a multitude of ways, but the most helpful is the donation of funds, said Wilke. Also in need are donations of protein items such as beef, pork, or venison, but all shelf-stable items can be left in a donation box in front of the pantry, though Wilke stresses that a voicemail should be left as well. The best way to get into contact with the food pantry is by calling the food phone at 417-669-3839. Everyone in need is encouraged to call.