Kids Need To Eat Even When Government Shuts Down

Ticiana Araújo
Nov 12
5 min read

Updated: Nov 20

Every morning, nearly 30 million children in the United States depend on school for at least one reliable meal. Over 70% of these lunches are provided free or at a reduced price to children from low-income households, funded primarily by the federal government, underpinning efforts to close nutrition gaps and promote health equity (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2025)

But this year, the ongoing federal government shutdown has cast a shadow on that vital certainty. Since October 1, 2025, critical child nutrition programs, including school meal funding, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, and WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) services for mothers and young children, have been caught in political gridlock, and families are left wondering what happens when the money runs out. On November 9, 2025, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution aimed at funding the government through January 30, 2026, including continued support for key nutrition programs (Reuters, 2025) However, this package still awaits approval by the House of Representatives and the President’s signature before it can restore stability. Until then, states and local agencies are navigating a challenging path, relying on temporary funds, cutting back services, and delaying new enrollments.

The WIC Issue

This uncertainty trickles down to programs like WIC, which directly support low-income mothers and young children. WIC is one of the most cost-effective public health investments in the United States, helping low-income mothers carry their pregnancies longer, reducing the incidence of low birth-weight and premature babies, improving children’s diets, and generating savings in healthcare, education, and productivity (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 2025).

Research shows that for every dollar spent, the program saves over two dollars in future healthcare and education costs by reducing premature births, improving dietary quality, and supporting healthy development.

Right now, the WIC — which serves about 6.7 million low-income mothers and young children ages 5 and under each month — is operating on emergency funds after the federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025 (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2024). The White House recently redirected about $450 million in tariff-revenue funds to keep the program running through early November (National WIC Association, 2025).

While this is a critical step in maintaining WIC services, it’s only a temporary fix. State agencies warn that many could exhaust their resources within weeks if Congress does not approve additional funding. Several have already reduced hours or delayed new enrollments to stretch existing funds.

For families, that means fewer grocery vouchers, fewer baby formula refills, and fewer nutrition supports during a child’s early years.

Advocates are calling on Congress to make WIC a permanent, protected program, so it never becomes collateral damage during political disputes. After all, this isn’t just a policy issue, it’s a matter of health and dignity. No parent should have to wonder whether their child will lose access to food because of a government funding dispute in Washington.

SNAP and School Meals Are Next In Line

The impact extends beyond WIC. SNAP, the nation’s largest nutrition program, assists about 41.7 million Americans monthly with vital food support (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2025).

Recent federal court rulings mandated the USDA to use emergency contingency funds to maintain SNAP benefits for November  2025. Initially, the USDA planned partial benefits coverage around half the normal amount but later adjusted that estimate to about 65% (USAFacts, 2025). Several states began distributing full benefits after a federal judge ordered full funding, but the USDA reversed course overnight, directing states to undo any full payments and limiting benefit issuance to partial payments (Politico, 2025). The Supreme Court of the United States intervened with a temporary stay putting the full payouts on hold and prolonging uncertainty for millions (Associated Press, 2025a). Similarly, school meal programs face similar uncertainty. Many schools are currently relying on carryover funds to keep serving meals, but delays in USDA reimbursements could force districts to reduce services or make difficult budget choices. Without timely funding, districts may struggle to continue to cover costs.

For children, that could mean fewer healthy meals in the cafeteria. For schools, it could mean painful choices between providing nutritious meals and staying financially afloat.

Programs like the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program do more than feed children; they provide the reliable nutrition, stability and focus children need to learn, grow and thrive. When that support is disrupted, the ripple effects spread quickly through classrooms, homes and communities.

Communities Are Stepping Up, But Policy Matters

Across the country, local food banks and community organizations are preparing for increased demand (Reuters, 2025b). “Share tables” in schools, backpack programs that send food home on weekends, and partnerships with local pantries are helping fill some of the gaps.

These community support shows resilience, but even with their hard work, they can’t match the scale of federal nutrition programs.

It shouldn’t take a crisis to remind us that children need to eat every day, no matter who is debating what in Congress. Programs like WIC, SNAP, and school meals exist to guarantee that every child has access to food, protecting health, supporting working families, and strengthening schools and communities.

At Balanced, we believe food should never depend on politics. We’re advocating for policies that shield nutrition programs from shutdowns and for continued funding to ensure every child has access to nourishing meals, both in school and at home.

Here's What You Can Do Right Now

Find a nearby food bank through Feeding America’s locator
Contact your Members of Congress (U.S.) via https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative to ensure child nutrition programs are permanently funded and shielded from shutdowns.
Sign or share petitions from trusted advocacy groups such as:
Support community organizations, for example, Backpack Buddies, Blessings in a Backpack, or your local Boys & Girls Club, or mutual aid groups in your community.
Spread awareness: Remind your community that feeding children is a shared responsibility, not a political debate.