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Good Shepherd Food Bank / Blog / Advocacy / What the Federal Shutdown Means for Mainers and the Charitable Food Network
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What the Federal Shutdown Means for Mainers and the Charitable Food Network

As of October 1, 2025, the federal government has officially shut down, directly impacting more than 12,000 Mainers employed by the federal government. The effects of this shutdown may not be fully visible yet, but if it continues for an extended period, we expect to see more Mainers turning to food assistance. Including many who may have never needed help before. Communities that rely on seasonal tourism and public services are especially vulnerable, as are households where a steady paycheck is essential to keeping food on the table.

While some government functions will continue, the shutdown is expected to put temporary pressure on Maine’s charitable food network, as many individuals and families whose income has been disrupted turn to food assistance for support. At a time when the charitable food system is already stretched thin, this added demand could strain resources further.

Who Is Affected?

The shutdown affects federal employees in two main categories:

  • Roughly 7,000 “essential” workers — including TSA agents, air traffic controllers, staff at Bath Iron Works, and civilian staff at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, who must continue working without pay during the shutdown.
  • Around 4,500 federal workers in Maine who have been furloughed, meaning they are currently not allowed to work and will not be paid unless retroactive funding is approved after the shutdown ends.

In addition to lost income, some federal services and benefits may begin to see disruptions, depending on how long the shutdown lasts.

What About Federal Nutrition Programs?

In the short term, most federal nutrition programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) are expected to continue operating with minimal impact. In Maine:

  • SNAP is currently funded through the end of October.
  • State funding for WIC will continue; however, federal funding stops immediately during a shutdown, which could result in reduced benefits and less support for participants if the shutdown is prolonged.

If the shutdown extends for several weeks or longer, delays in benefit processing and lack of funding could cause serious disruptions to these vital food assistance programs. That would leave more Mainers in need, further increasing demand on the Food Bank and pantries.

Beyond individual households, a prolonged shutdown could ripple through Maine’s economy. The closure of national parks like Acadia, along with other federally funded sites and programs, will have a direct impact on seasonal businesses that rely on fall tourism and end-of-season revenue to make it through the winter. That economic downturn will likely be felt by workers and small business owners across the state.

At Good Shepherd Food Bank, we are closely monitoring the situation and staying in regular contact with Feeding America, following their guidance as the shutdown continues. Our focus is on supporting our statewide pantry network by staying in close communication with partners to understand what’s happening on the ground and identify emerging needs. At the same time, we’re serving as a resource to Maine’s elected officials, helping them understand the real-time impact the shutdown is having on our food system and the people who rely on it.

We are also committed to keeping Mainers informed about where to find food assistance during this uncertain time. Resources and updates will be shared through our website and community partners as the situation evolves.

One thing is certain: the longer the shutdown continues, the more it will impact all of us, especially essential services like food assistance that depend on reliable funding to keep going. As we move through this challenging time, we’re committed to making sure no Mainer has to go without food because of a situation they can’t control.

If you or someone you know needs help, please visit our Food Map to find local food assistance near you, www.FeedingMaine.org/food-map.