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Food banks prepare for potential SNAP benefit cuts amid government shutdown

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, October 21st 2025 at 22:51 GMT by KOAT Albuquerque
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The looming federal government shutdown has put the New Mexico Food Bank on high alert as it faces the possibility of significant cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The food bank, which serves thousands of New Mexicans every week, has already begun developing contingency plans to cushion the impact of reduced federal funding and the potential loss of thousands of SNAP benefits that could affect low‑income households across the state.

The Immediate Threat

The federal shutdown, scheduled to begin if Congress fails to pass a continuing resolution, would halt non‑essential federal operations for up to 30 days. While the Food and Agriculture Department (USDA) is classified as a “non‑essential” agency, it is still a critical source of funding for the food bank’s core operations. The USDA’s Economic Research Service, in its most recent budget, earmarks a sizable portion of the SNAP benefit package to local distribution partners such as the New Mexico Food Bank. A halt to these funds would cut the food bank’s annual budget by an estimated $10 million—an amount that could directly translate into 40,000 to 50,000 fewer food‑package distributions.

State officials warn that even a temporary funding stop could have lasting ripple effects. “We’ve seen firsthand how quickly a shortfall in funds can force distribution centers to cut back,” said Maria Ruiz, Director of the New Mexico Food Bank. “When shelves are empty, families are forced to look elsewhere for nutrition.”

A Multi‑Layered Response

In anticipation of a shutdown, the food bank has already activated a multi‑tiered response plan. First, it is negotiating with the state government for emergency funding. State Representative Kevin Martinez, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, has pledged that the state will allocate $2 million to cover the immediate deficit. The allocation would allow the food bank to keep distribution centers open and maintain a critical stockpile of fresh produce, canned goods, and essential items.

Second, the organization has been reaching out to local partners and private donors for emergency contributions. The New Mexico Food Bank’s partner organization, Catholic Charities of Albuquerque, has committed to a $500,000 donation to cover operating costs during the shutdown. In addition, the food bank has turned to community volunteers, who have stepped up to help with sorting and packaging food packages to offset staffing shortfalls.

“We’re counting on the community’s generosity,” Ruiz said. “Without volunteers and donors, we would not be able to keep the shelves stocked.”

Impact on SNAP Beneficiaries

SNAP beneficiaries in New Mexico already face significant hardship. According to the USDA’s most recent data, roughly 12 % of the state’s population, or about 400,000 people, rely on SNAP for at least a portion of their food budget. The food bank, which distributes 5 million food packages annually, is an integral part of the system that translates these benefits into tangible food for families.

If the shutdown leads to a 30 % reduction in SNAP benefits for New Mexico residents, the food bank would have to serve approximately 1.5 million fewer food packages during the shutdown period. In many rural communities, where the food bank already struggles to maintain adequate supplies, such a shortfall could mean the difference between a family having access to a full meal and having to rely on emergency food services.

“Families who already live at the edge of food insecurity would feel the pinch immediately,” Ruiz explained. “A cut in SNAP benefits could push more people into the ‘food‑insecure’ category.”

Legislative and Policy Efforts

The Food Bank’s director emphasized that the federal shutdown threat is not only a short‑term budgetary problem but also a signal that broader policy reforms are needed. She highlighted the need for stable, predictable funding for nutrition assistance programs and called for bipartisan cooperation to ensure the continuity of essential services.

In a recent interview with the New Mexico Gazette, Representative Martinez outlined the state’s position: “The state is committed to supporting our neighbors. We are actively lobbying Washington to secure an emergency appropriation for SNAP and for local food banks. We’re also exploring a temporary state emergency funding mechanism to provide additional resources during a federal interruption.”

The food bank also reached out to the National Federation of Community Food Banks for guidance. A representative from the federation advised that local food banks could request a temporary emergency allocation from the USDA’s emergency supplemental funding pool. “If a shutdown occurs, there are specific protocols we can use to quickly request emergency funds,” the representative said. “The key is to have documentation and proof of the impending funding gap.”

Looking Ahead

The New Mexico Food Bank is also preparing for long‑term resiliency. Plans include diversifying funding sources, such as developing a small but growing line of corporate sponsorships, and expanding relationships with state and local grocery chains to secure emergency food drives. The food bank’s management is also exploring a “pre‑emptive” fund—an earmarked reserve that could be drawn upon in a crisis to keep distribution lines open.

“We’re looking for ways to build a safety net,” Ruiz said. “That way, even if the federal government goes on pause, we can keep the community fed.”

While the outcome of the pending federal budget negotiations remains uncertain, the New Mexico Food Bank’s proactive steps illustrate how local organizations can prepare for and mitigate the impact of government shutdowns. With community support, state funding, and strategic partnerships, the food bank hopes to keep New Mexico families from going hungry, even amid a federal crisis.

Follow‑up links and additional resources
- USDA SNAP Program Overview – https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-and-innovation/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
- National Federation of Community Food Banks Emergency Funding Guidelines – https://www.foodbank.org/emergency-funding
- New Mexico Food Bank Official Website – https://www.nmfoodbank.org
- New Mexico State Budget Briefing – https://www.sos.state.nm.us/communications/budget-briefing

These sources offer further insight into the mechanics of federal funding, the legal framework for emergency allocations, and the state’s fiscal strategy for supporting the food bank and SNAP beneficiaries during times of fiscal uncertainty.