Man-Made Crisis: Alabama Food Bank Braces for SNAP Cut

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Rising Food Insecurity in Alabama Amid Federal Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, concerns are mounting across Alabama about a potential food crisis that could leave thousands of families without access to essential meals. Hunger relief leaders are sounding the alarm, warning that the situation could escalate quickly if immediate action is not taken.

At the Food Bank of East Alabama, Executive Director Martha Henk has expressed deep concern over the impact of the shutdown on the state's most vulnerable residents. She highlights that the impending halt to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits on November 1 could trigger what she calls a “man-made disaster.”

“For every meal we distribute, SNAP provides nine,” Henk said. “If those benefits stop, there’s simply no way food banks can make that up.”

Even before the current shutdown, food insecurity was already on the rise. According to Feeding America, nationwide rates of food insecurity have reached a ten-year high. In Lee County, the situation has worsened significantly, with the rate of food-insecure households increasing from 14% in 2023 to 18% in 2025. One in four children now lives in a home where food security is uncertain.

The challenges are being driven by several factors, including inflation, rising rent costs, and underemployment. Many individuals are working multiple jobs but still struggle to afford basic necessities.

“People are working, often two jobs, but wages haven’t kept up,” Henk explained. “You can’t go to the grocery store and get out for under $100 — and that’s without meat.”

SNAP plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity. It makes up approximately 1.5% of the federal budget, which amounts to around $100 billion annually. The average recipient receives between $6 and $7 per day for food. However, the USDA has warned that it cannot issue November benefits without new funding. This leaves 41 million Americans, including 750,000 Alabamians, at risk of losing access to groceries.

Despite the urgency of the situation, the agency has chosen not to use $5 billion in contingency funds that could temporarily extend the program. This decision has left many families in limbo, unsure of how they will afford their next meal.

The Broader Impact of the Crisis

The implications of this crisis extend beyond just the loss of food assistance. For many families, SNAP is a lifeline that helps them afford groceries and keep their children fed. Without these benefits, food banks may not be able to meet the growing demand.

Henk emphasized that food banks are already stretched thin, and the loss of SNAP would place an even greater burden on their resources. “We’re doing everything we can, but we can’t replace the support that SNAP provides,” she said.

The situation also highlights the broader economic challenges facing many Americans. With inflation continuing to rise and wages failing to keep pace, more people are finding themselves unable to afford basic necessities. This trend is expected to worsen as the cost of living continues to climb.

What Can Be Done?

In the face of this growing crisis, advocates are calling for immediate action to prevent further hardship. They urge lawmakers to find a solution that ensures continued access to SNAP benefits for those who need them most.

Until then, food banks and community organizations are doing their best to support families in need. However, without additional funding or policy changes, the situation is likely to continue to deteriorate.

For many families in Alabama, the coming weeks will be a test of their resilience. As the federal government remains in a stalemate, the consequences of the shutdown are becoming increasingly clear — and the stakes are higher than ever.