Hawaiʻi Foodbank Statement on the Impact of the Government Shutdown

Amid the highest food insecurity rates in nearly a decade, a government shutdown creates uncertainty for tens of thousands of federal employees, active-duty military members, and federal contractors here in Hawai‘i who could face paycheck disruptions. With so many families already just one paycheck away from needing help, the impact could be immediate and widespread.

Currently, nearly 1 in 3 households in Hawaiʻi, including more than 80,000 keiki, face food insecurity. A prolonged shutdown would push even more families into crisis, while also threatening critical nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP); and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) — which thousands of Hawaiʻi residents rely on for access to safe and healthy food.

“We are proactively sourcing more food, and preparing with partners to meet the anticipated increase in need. If you and your family are in need of food assistance, Hawaiʻi Foodbank is here to help. ”

Hawaiʻi Foodbank stands ready to serve. We are proactively sourcing more food, and preparing with partners to meet the anticipated increase in need. If you and your family are in need of food assistance, Hawaiʻi Foodbank is here to help.

Visit our Food Assistance Finder to find a food pantry, meal program or other food assistance opportunity near you.

Additional Government Shutdown Resources for Hawaiʻi Residents

In addition to food assistance, the following resources are available to families and neighbors who may be impacted by the government shutdown.

BANK AND CREDIT UNION ASSISTANCE

Confirmed Programs 

• Navy Federal Credit Union — 0% APR Government Shutdown Loan — 1-888-842-6328
• PenFed Credit Union — 0% interest loan equal to one paycheck and assistance with home loans — 1-800-247-5626
• USAA — 0% interest loan equal to one paycheck and other payment relief — 1-800-531-8722

These banks and credit unions have had support programs in prior shutdowns — call to confirm if reactivated:

• Bank of Hawai‘i — 1-888-643-3888
• First Hawaiian Bank — 808-844-4444
• Aloha Pacific FCU — 808-531-3711
• Hawai‘i State FCU — 808-587-2700
• HawaiiUSA FCU — 808-534-4300
• Hickam FCU — 808-423-1391
• HOCU (Honolulu FCU) — 808-777-5646
• Kauai Government Employees FCU — 808-245-2463
• Pearl Hawaii FCU — 808-737-4328

MILITARY AND FEDERAL EMPLOYEE AID

• Air Force Aid Society
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
• Army Emergency Relief
• Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) — Emergency Loans
• OPM Guidance — Shutdown Furlough Guidance PDF
• TSP Hardship Withdrawals

VETERAN AND MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCES

• American Red Cross — Support for Military Families
• Military OneSource
• Operation Homefront — Critical Financial
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Shutdown Contingency Planning

LOCAL HAWAI‘I SUPPORT

• Aloha United Way — Dial 2-1-1
• Hawaiʻi Foodbank — Oʻahu and Kauaʻi
• Maui Food Bank — Maui Count
• The Food Basket — Hawaiʻi Island
• Catholic Charities Hawai‘i
• Helping Hands Hawai‘i
• The Salvation Army — Hawaiian and Pacific Islands
• Military and Family Life Counselors — 808-292-9196, 808-824-6029, 571-977-8593

NEWS AND INFORMATION

Federal News Network — Shutdown Q&A