RGV Food Bank Prepares for Surge in Demand as Government Shutdown Looms

Empty shelves are becoming a common sight at the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley in Pharr. Workers there report an increasing demand, and their resources are getting stretched thin. They worry that the ongoing federal government shutdown will only make things worse.

During the 2018 government shutdown, many federal workers turned to food banks because they weren’t being paid. This created a surge in requests for help. Libby Saenz, CEO of the Food Bank of the RGV, fears a repeat of this situation could happen. “It impacts everything,” she explains. “If no more resources come in, we’ll have to reduce the amount of food we give. Instead of 50 pounds, it might be 40 or even 30.”

The food bank relies on federal support, and the longer the shutdown drags on, the harder it gets to maintain their programs. Saenz points out, “If this continues, we won’t receive our administrative funds, and food deliveries will stop.” They’ll have to depend on donations to keep helping those in need.

According to a recent survey by Feeding America, food insecurity is already affecting millions across the country. In 2021, over 38 million people, including 12 million children, struggled to find enough to eat. If the current shutdown persists, these numbers could rise even higher.

Social media is buzzing with discussions about the food crisis. Many users are sharing local resources and donating to food banks, showing that community support plays a vital role in times of need. As we see the effects of federal decisions on everyday lives, it’s crucial to remember that local organizations are the backbone of support for many families.

For those looking to help, every little bit counts. If you’d like to contribute, you can donate to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley here.

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