How the Shutdown Could Worsen Record Food Insecurity in Hampton Roads

After the federal government shut down on October 1, Chris Tan immediately thought about its impact on the community. In Hampton Roads, nearly 10% of residents are tied to the federal government. This shutdown raises serious concerns about food assistance for military and federal families, especially if the closure affects their paychecks.

Tan, the CEO of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, noted that food insecurity is at an all-time high—30% more than during the pandemic’s peak. He attributes this rise mainly to inflation and the uncertainty of when paychecks will come in for federal workers. Enlisted military families are particularly at risk; about 25% face food insecurity compared to only 10% of civilians, according to a 2024 USDA report. High living costs, constant relocations, and difficult job markets for spouses contribute to this struggle.

Recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility add to the worry. Fewer people can get help as of October 1, and the furlough of federal employees who manage these changes is likely. Joan Berlin, chair of the Eastern Shore Chapel Food Pantry, mentioned that when people can’t pay bills, they often turn to food assistance first. “It’s either that, or they skip paying rent or utilities,” she said.

During the last government shutdown in 2018, demand at the Eastern Shore Chapel Pantry jumped by 15%. With current numbers already high—serving about 225 to 250 households a day compared to 175 earlier this year—Berlin fears they may not handle another surge. The pantry relies heavily on local food banks and donations to keep operations going.

Tan’s foodbank is monitoring needs across its 226 partner pantries and nonprofits. If demand spikes, they are prepared to open more distribution points. For those in need, foodbankonline.org helps locate nearby pantries, requiring only the number of people in a household to access assistance without needing financial documentation.

The situation reveals a broader issue of food insecurity, one that experts emphasize needs urgent attention. A recent survey showed that over 40% of Americans feel uncertain about their ability to pay for food, highlighting that this isn’t just a problem for federal workers. Community-level responses, like those from food banks, are essential in bridging the gap during these challenging times.

As we navigate these uncertainties, it’s vital to support local initiatives that provide immediate relief and advocate for long-term solutions to food insecurity.

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