Food banks in the Triangle are asking for extra help beyond the holiday season as fears grow concerning a potential government shutdown in January.
The Inter-Faith Food Shuttle said many of their organizations have seen a steady increase of 30-to-50% during the last few months.
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The weeks-long government shutdown that started in October caused an extra strain on food banks. SNAP benefits running out and furloughed federal employees caused demand to soar.
CEO and President of the Inter-faith Food Shuttle Ron Pringle said, even after the government opened back up and SNAP benefits were reinstated, demand has continued to increase.
He said the need is higher during the holiday season, but, this month, they've served people who are worried about what will happen with their employment and their benefits in 2026.
"The lines have not decreased at all," he said. "I think people are just trying to prepare for what's to come simply because they've lost faith and trust in the system."
A potential government shutdown looms in January. The deal that lifted the government shutdown in November ends Jan. 30, 2026.
Pringle said the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle appreciates the support over the holiday season, but he is asking for extra help through the new year.
"We love the support this time of year because the need is always higher, but we want them to remember that we are still going to need their support at the turn of the new year because we are still trying to prepare ourselves for what lies ahead," Pringle said.
He asks anyone interested in volunteering or donating to visit foodshuttle.org.