A Government Shutdown Will Strain Families and Food Banks

Hawaii Foodbank
Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i, 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 Hawai‘i 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, Hawai‘i Foodbank is here to help. ”
Hawai‘i 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, Hawai‘i Foodbank is here to help.
Please visit HawaiiFoodbank.org/help to find a food pantry, meal program or other food assistance opportunity near you.
Additional Government Shutdown Resources for Hawai‘i 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
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Federal Employee Education & Assistance Fund (FEEA) – Emergency Loans
OPM Guidance – Shutdown Furlough Guidance PDF
VETERAN AND MILITARY FAMILY RESOURCES
American Red Cross– Support for Military Families
Operation Homefront – Critical Financial Assistance
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Shutdown Contingency Planning
LOCAL HAWAI‘I SUPPORT
Aloha United Way – Dial 2-1-1
Hawai‘i Foodbank – O‘ahu and Kaua‘i
Maui Food Bank – Maui Count
The Food Basket – Hawai‘i Island
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