MADISON, Wis. — As the ongoing federal government shutdown continues, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is activating emergency response measures to address a growing hunger crisis that will reach a critical point starting on November 1.
Due to the shutdown, nearly 700,000 Wisconsin families who rely on FoodShare (SNAP) benefits will not receive the support that would typically begin on November 1. This disruption means seniors, children, and families with the fewest resources will face immediate and difficult choices between food, medicine, housing, and utilities.
“This is an unprecedented moment for hunger relief in Wisconsin,” said Michelle Orge, President/Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “We cannot wait idly until the full impact hits. We are mobilizing now to ensure families have healthy, nutrient-rich food when they need it most.”
Beginning November 1, Second Harvest Foodbank is doubling its purchase of fresh produce for distribution across its network of nearly 300 partner pantries, programs, and meal sites. This emergency action ensures our network of partners can request more food—at no cost—to meet the extraordinary surge in need.
To support this expanded effort, Second Harvest Foodbank has:
- Activated emergency protocols to immediately increase food sourcing and distribution capacity;
- Mobilized volunteers and donor support to sustain deliveries of fresh produce and pantry staples; and
- Coordinated with community partners to streamline response and maximize impact.
Members of the public are encouraged to take immediate action:
- Donate food directly to your local pantry to help meet neighborhood needs;
- Contribute to Second Harvest Foodbank at SecondHarvestSW.org. Every dollar donated ensures families, seniors, and children have access to nutritious food throughout this crisis and beyond.
“Our mission remains steadfast to end hunger in southwestern Wisconsin,” Orge said. Prior to the pause in SNAP, we were distributing more food than we were at the height of the pandemic. We’ve never seen this level of need and families are facing even more financial challenges and barriers to accessing healthy food.”
