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Understand the Impact
Summary of Key Dates:
    •Oct. 1 (day 1): Shutdown begins; SNAP and WIC benefits will be available in full and on their normal monthly issuance schedule

    •Oct. 4 (day 4): Federal employees receive their paycheck as scheduled 

    •Oct. 18 (day 18): Federal employees receive only a partial paycheck 

    •Nov. 1 (day 32): First full missed paycheck for federal employees; SNAP benefits and WIC benefits and services likely to be incomplete and disrupted 



2025 Government Shutdown

As of October 1, 2025, the Federal Government is experiencing a shutdown. We understand that neighbors will have questions and concerns about what this means for them. This page will be updated as new insights become available. If you are impacted, please reach out to Second Harvest for food resources and reach out to your elected officials to share your story. 

If are in need of food assistance, Second Harvest and our network of over 127 Partner Charities are here for you. Click HERE to search our network of food pantries, hot meal sites, shelters, and food programs near you! 

Sign up to receive texts from Second Harvest about upcoming distributions and food resource updates. Text your county name — Lorain, Erie, Huron, or Crawford  - to 440-467-4353, and we’ll make sure you’re always in the loop!

Explore Current Program Status
Click below to learn more.

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    SNAP benefits were delivered in full and on time for October. USDA Food & Nutrition Services indicated in an October 10 letter that “if the current lapse in appropriations continue, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits”. We will share updates from the State of Ohio as we receive them.

    If you are interested in applying for SNAP benefits, you can still do so at this time. Second Harvest Food Bank's outreach team is available to assist with the process; follow this link - https://secondharvestfoodbank.treepl.co/programs/snap

  • Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)

    Second Harvest Food Bank does not anticipate immediate impacts on WIC operations in Ohio. We expect that WIC-approved stores will continue to accept WIC benefits, and local agencies can continue to serve all applicants and participants.

  • The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

    TEFAP entitlement foods are purchased two to three months ahead of delivery, and all USDA purchases paid for before Oct. 1 will still be delivered. Any orders that are already purchased or already scheduled to be delivered are unlikely to be impacted by a shutdown (this includes most orders scheduled for delivery in the next couple of months). Second Harvest cannot currently place orders which may impact future food supply for our network in 2026.