WASHINGTON (AP) — As the longest government shutdown rages on, characterized by mass layoffs and cuts in federal aid, the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington is experiencing an unprecedented surge in demand for assistance. With the holiday season approaching, officials anticipate providing 1 million more meals this month compared to previous projections, reflecting a nearly 20% rise.
Radha Muthiah, CEO of the food bank, discussed the drastic escalation in demand, stating, The city is being hit especially hard due to a series of unfortunate events that have unfolded this year. The food bank supports over 400 organizations across the District of Columbia, northern Virginia, and Maryland, highlighting the extensive reach of the ongoing crisis.
The economic fallout extends beyond the food bank. The implications of the shutdown are resonating throughout the region, with an unemployment rate in D.C. climbing to 6%, significantly higher than the national average of 4.3%. Local businesses, especially those that rely on discretionary spending from federal workers, are grappling with declining sales as employees face delayed paychecks. At least 670,000 federal employees are currently furloughed and approximately 730,000 are working without pay nationwide.
Many businesses are grappling with reduced foot traffic; for instance, pubs and restaurants report revenue dropping as much as 50% since the onset of the shutdown. A lot of businesses rely on higher spending during Q4 to end the year positively, said Tracy Hadden Loh from Brookings Metro, indicating that the durable effects of the shutdown could heighten the challenges local establishments face.
One local resident, Thea Price, recently sought help from a food pantry for the first time after losing her job amid the layoffs affecting the federal workforce. Without steady income and facing a halt in SNAP benefits, her family is forced to leave the region, illustrating the personal struggle many families are facing.
As food banks work tirelessly to meet demand, experts warn that families are tapping into savings to cover daily living expenses, burdening their future financial stability. Muthiah emphasized the long-term implications of the shutdown, stating, People are borrowing against their futures to pay for basic necessities today. This crisis not only underscores the immediate need for food assistance but also the potential for long-lasting economic harm to families and businesses alike.
