10/31/2025
Update on the Federal Government Shutdown and how Volunteers in Medicine in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties and NAFC are preparing for the changes coming.
Federal Status
As we enter day 31 of the federal government shutdown, there is still no indication that Congress will act before November 1 to restore funding. Starting tomorrow, vital safety-net programs that millions of low-income Americans depend on will begin to experience the full effects of the lapse in federal appropriations.
Below, please find an update on some of the programs that will be impacted. The NAFC is closely monitoring the shutdown and its impact on programs, funding, the workforce, and the uninsured.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
October benefits have been distributed, but states will not receive federal funds to issue November payments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has confirmed it will not use emergency funds to continue the program at this time. As a result, about 42 million Americans could lose access to essential food assistance until Congress passes a funding measure. Several states, including New York, Maryland, Illinois, and Connecticut, have announced limited emergency support for food banks, but these efforts cannot fully offset the loss of SNAP benefits. Once funding is restored, states are expected to need one to two weeks to restart electronic benefit transfers and resume normal operations.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
WIC offices are operating on short-term reserves and are expected to begin running out of funds within one to two weeks. Without additional appropriations, states will have to suspend benefits. Restarting the program will take time as agencies reissue vouchers and reactivate vendor systems, leading to several weeks of disruption even after funding resumes.
Head Start
Beginning November 1, more than 130 Head Start programs across 41 states and Puerto Rico will also lose access to federal funds, affecting approximately 65,000 children. Many programs are preparing to furlough staff and temporarily close centers. Once funding is reinstated, most programs will require three to four weeks to reopen and resume full services.
State Mitigation Efforts
Washington, DC, Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Virginia have announced short-term emergency measures to support food banks and community assistance networks. While these efforts may help address immediate needs, they do not replace federal benefits. Most states are monitoring the situation and awaiting federal guidance. Members are encouraged to engage with state policymakers and agency leaders to emphasize the importance of implementing temporary measures to protect low-income families during this funding gap.
What This Means for Free and Charitable Clinics
Free and Charitable Clinics should prepare for an immediate increase in food insecurity beginning November 1. Pregnant women, infants, and young children may face heightened nutritional risks if WIC funding is interrupted. Families affected by Head Start closures may experience additional stress and lose access to developmental and health screenings. Clinics are encouraged to strengthen partnerships with food banks, community organizations, and local governments, share verified resource information with patients, and plan for increased demand.
Volunteers in Medicine in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties is already planning for these changes and is already planning for these changes and are stocking our shelves and preparing ourselves for future distribution of food, hygiene products, and medical supplies to help individuals in need, as the winter months approach.
Please feel free to reach out to us to donate or inquire about what we currently have/need.
570-623-1113
