River Bend Food Bank on standby for any increase in food demand due to partial government shutdown

Federal food assistance, including SNAP, is funded through Sept. 30. However, if the partial shutdown continues, federal workers will have missed paychecks.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — River Bend Food Bank said it is on standby for any increase in food demand as the federal government has partially shut down.

The partial shutdown comes on the heels of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. The Fall 2025 shutdown lasted a record-breaking 43 days and left federal workers without pay for weeks. Funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) lapsed on Nov. 1, 2025, leaving many turning to local food pantries for assistance.

This partial shutdown is different in that funding for federal food assistance is secured through the end of the fiscal year, or Sept. 30. However, if the partial shutdown continues, federal workers and employees could go without a paycheck. Employees in the federal departments of defense, health, transportation and housing are among those who were given shutdown guidance by the administration, though many operations are deemed essential and services are not necessarily interrupted. Workers could go without pay if the impasse drags on. Some could be furloughed.

“We are watching the current government shutdown very closely,” River Bend Food Bank President and CEO Chris Ford said. “While USDA nutrition programs like SNAP, WIC, and TEFAP remain fully funded and unaffected by the partial shutdown, many federal employees, active-duty military members, and contracted workers could soon miss paychecks.”

Feeding America said a brief shutdown only lasting a few days should not have negative consequences on food bank operations. Ford said officials are optimistic the partial shutdown will be resolved, but are preparing for an increased need for food support.

“When people lose income, their ability to afford food is immediately at risk,” Ford said. “After already enduring the longest full shutdown in our nation’s history just months ago, many families simply don’t have the cushion to weather another disruption.”

During the SNAP freeze last fall, River Bend purchased six million meals to assist those in need. River Bend distributes food to over 400 of its partner pantries spanning 23 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.