It has been nearly thirty days since the beginning of the U.S.A.’s government shutdown. It occurred on October 1st due to a lack of bipartisan agreement on a new federal budget plan for 2026. As a result, millions of federal workers have been furloughed from their jobs, left to work unpaid or find employment elsewhere with the looming threat of not receiving back pay at the shutdown’s end. Important services have also been affected. SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, are two such services. As many as 41 million low income and elderly people of all races rely on these programs to feed themselves and their families. If an agreement is not reached by November 1st, the lack of funding will leave millions without adequate access to food and formula. With the effects of increasing discourse between the two parties trickling down to the average American, safety and security are becoming more uncertain. However, the most important thing in times of crisis is to come together to support fellow citizens who are struggling to make ends meet.

Donate to local food banks

With the growing likelihood that the shutdown will continue past November 1st, food banks are being stretched beyond capacity. The Llano Food Pantry in Texas is one that is beginning to experience what is to come in the next few days. An increase in new clients and having to limit the amount of canned goods handed out are a few of these changes. The situation only worsens when factoring in the rising cost of food. As such, if you have any extra canned goods, water, or pantry staples such as rice and beans, please donate them to your local food banks. Donating money also helps them to purchase more food for those in need. Anything you can give will aid in strengthening the health of the community and fight against the inhumane actions of the government.

Support elderly and/or vulnerable neighbors

Elderly, disabled, and single parent families are those who are particularly affected by the crisis. These are our neighbors, the people who are just trying to live their lives the way it was promised by the government in its conception of “The American Dream” and promotion of a just democracy. But these promises were not fulfilled and the vulnerable are left scrambling to fix what they had not broken, unable to do so with the lack of these government programs. That is where you come in. If you have neighbors who are elderly, disabled, or are struggling families, consider helping them out every now and then. Whether by cooking or cleaning for them, donating food, or simply providing them with resources on where to find help, all of these make a difference in bettering our communities.

Spread the word

Not everyone is informed about current issues affecting others or the ways in which they can contribute to the cause. Share with friends, family, colleagues, and even those online about keeping themselves in the loop and encouraging them to help in any way they can. 

Takeaway

A country is only as good as its people and their wellbeing. While the government continues to place the health and safety of its citizens below winning a debate, the public must do what it refuses to and come together to take care of each other. Differing opinions should not determine who lives and who dies. At the end of the day, we are all human beings sharing a planet and trying to find a purpose. Our limited time should be spent making meaningful connections and contributions rather than splitting apart what is supposed to be a united nation.