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FoodCorps Urges Congress and USDA to Protect Child Nutrition Amid Shutdown

MEDIA CONTACT:
Nathan Garcia
nathan.garcia@foodcorps.org

Washington, DC (October 31, 2025) — As the government shutdown drags on and threatens to become the longest and most disruptive in U.S. history, FoodCorps is raising the alarm about the severe impact on children’s access to nourishing food. We urge Congress and USDA to take immediate action to protect vital nutrition programs, including SNAP.

“Each day the shutdown continues, millions of children’s access to healthy food remains in jeopardy,” said Mickeala Carter, FoodCorps Vice President of Policy and Communications. “USDA’s instruction for states to withhold SNAP benefits beginning November 1 would disrupt essential support for roughly 16 million children who rely on the program, marking the first time in more than six decades that SNAP has been interrupted. This is unacceptable. Federal nutrition programs are a lifeline for families, and children’s access to food should never be compromised by political gridlock and inaction.”

“Congress has an obligation to protect kids’ well-being by returning to Washington and ending the government shutdown. And USDA has a responsibility to use every tool available to keep nutrition benefits flowing. Our government must act now to put children and families first and prevent further harm.”

Read more about the government shutdown on FoodCorps’ blog.

About FoodCorps
FoodCorps is a national nonprofit advancing child well-being through food in school. FoodCorps partners with students, families, and communities to champion nourishing food at local, state, and national levels. Our leaders support schools in providing nutritious meals, locally-informed food education, and welcoming school environments that set kids up for positive, vibrant relationships with food. Building on this program, we develop leaders, grow networks, and advocate for policies in service of every kid’s health and well-being. FoodCorps is working toward a future where all 50 million public school students have access to food education and nourishing meals in school. Learn more at www.foodcorps.org.

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