How the Food Industry is Supporting Shoppers During the Government Shutdown

During this government shutdown, the food industry is stepping up its efforts to support communities and demonstrate its longstanding commitment to being a good neighbor.

By Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO, FMI

In moments of uncertainty, whether caused by economic hardship, federal benefit suspensions, or rising food costs, the food industry steps up its efforts to support their communities and demonstrates its longstanding commitment to being a good neighbor. Our food industry members have mobilized with urgency and compassion across our nation, launching expansive food drives, pledging millions to local food banks and developing innovative programs to make everyday essentials more affordable. These efforts go far beyond the checkout line, reflecting the industry’s deep-rooted dedication to community care and local feeding networks. When the government shut down, cutting funding for federal feeding programs, FMI members did not hesitate; they hustled into action to help bridge the gap for families in need, proving once again that care and compassion are central to our mission.

Retailers and Suppliers Mobilize to Fight Hunger

Tops Friendly Markets kicked off its Food for Families campaign to fill the gap for families impacted by benefit suspensions. Customers were invited to donate at registers or online, with proceeds supporting Foodlink and local pantries.

Walmart offers Walmart+ Assist, a discounted membership for recipients of SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid. For just $6.47/month, members receive free shipping, delivery, pharmacy services, and gas savings, making everyday essentials more accessible.

Schnucks Markets launched a food drive across all 113 stores, inviting customers to donate shelf-stable items to local food banks.

Meijer pledged $4 million to support food banks in six Midwest states and continues its Simply Give program, in which $10 donation cards at checkout become food-only gift cards for local pantries. For every Meijer brand food item purchased between Nov. 23–29, the company will donate the equivalent of one meal.

“We understand the communities we serve are facing unique challenges right now, and while we cannot solve them alone, that will not stop us from expanding our Simply Give hunger relief efforts to help our neighbors in need.”
                                          — Hank Meijer, Executive Chairman, Meijer, Inc.

Mollie Stone’s Markets donated $25,000 to the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, supporting the organization’s mission to end hunger and provide access to healthy, nutritious food for families across the Bay Area.

Mondelez International, which donates more than 11 million pounds of food annually to Feeding America, is accelerating its donations to food banks in November to help provide access to those in need.

Brookshire Grocery Company is donating $500,000 to local food banks serving communities where its stores operate in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, which will be used to help bridge the meal gap for families facing food insecurity.

Market of Choice gave $60,000 to local food banks in Oregon and encouraged customers to provide cash donations at the point-of-sale or donate non-perishable food items in collection barrels in store. 

PSK Supermarkets in New York donated $22,000 and offered food bags for customers to purchase that would be provided to local food banks. 

Affordability and Relief at the Forefront

The Save Mart Companies launched the Right By You Affordability Promise, offering discounted meat and produce, holiday meal programs, free home delivery, and military discounts.

“’Right By You’ is not a campaign, it’s a platform… It really felt important to make a statement to our customers about what those things are and how we are bringing them forward.”
                                — Andy Comer, VP of Marketing, Save Mart

Market 32 and Price Chopper moved quickly to enhance hunger relief efforts with increased discounts, partnerships with food banks and farmers, and the Fill a Plate with Hope for the Holidays drive.

“Grocery stores are at the heart of a complex food system… It comes with great responsibility – one we take to heart.”
                                — Blaine Bringhurst, President, Market 32 and Price Chopper

Hy-Vee responded to the government shutdown by offering free meals to children, $3 meals for others, and donating $125,000 to food banks and DoorDash.

Fareway Stores launched a month-long donation program across 142 stores, matching customer contributions to support local food banks.

“We're deeply grateful to our customers who join us in supporting those who need it most.”
                                — Reynolds Cramer, CEO, Fareway

Beech-Nut is donating $100,000 worth of discounts to SNAP families at participating retailers. Each family can register for a $5 off mobile offer to use towards their next purchase of any Beech-Nut items. They are also donating $164,000 of baby food and toddler snacks to food banks and organizations.

Paying it Forward

DoorDash committed to 1 million free meals, waiving fees for 300,000 SNAP customers, and donating food from DashMart to local food banks.

H-E-B committed $6 million to food relief in Texas, including $1 million to Meals on Wheels.

In New York, philanthropist Jeff Knauss provided Wegmans gift cards to households affected by the shutdown.

As we prepare for family and dining celebrations this year, it’s worth reflecting on the powerful role the food industry plays – not just by feeding families, but by uplifting communities. Our grocers and their supplier partners are leading with heart.

For more information and resources regarding SNAP, visit FactsAboutSnap.com.