As the federal government shutdown drags on, millions of Americans who rely on SNAP and WIC benefits are left uncertain about how they’ll afford groceries in the coming weeks. With emergency funding being withheld and partisan politics taking priority over human wellbeing, it’s clear that communities like Harmony need to step in and step up.

Food insecurity doesn’t just impact those receiving benefits—it affects kids, elders, working families, and local businesses. When people can’t buy groceries, it ripples through every part of a community. That’s why now, more than ever, is the time to act with compassion, generosity, and resolve.

What you can do right now

Check on your neighbors

Start with the people around you. Do you know anyone who relies on SNAP or WIC? A quick text, call, or doorstep check-in can go a long way. Sometimes, people just need to know someone cares.

Support mutual aid

Amplify and contribute to local mutual aid requests in your neighborhood or online. These are often the fastest and most direct ways to help individuals in crisis.

Give to local food resources

Monetary donations are often more effective than canned goods, allowing organizations to purchase exactly what’s needed. But if you have shelf-stable food or time to volunteer, that helps too.

Local organizations making an impact include:

• Loveland Interfaith Effort Food Pantry
• Mason Food Pantry
• Reach Out Lakota
• FreeStore Food Bank (serving Butler, Warren, and Hamilton counties)
• Queen City Kitchen
• Valley Interfaith Community Resource Center

Don’t forget to check for local free fridges—community-run food hubs where anyone can drop off or pick up food. Many are still active and in need of support.

Be a meal buddy

Apps like Nextdoor, Buy Nothing, and MealTrain can help you connect directly with neighbors who need a hand. You can also send groceries or meals anonymously through Instacart or DoorDash gift cards—or simply pick up extras next time you shop and deliver them yourself.

Connect with local schools

Teachers and staff often know which students and families are struggling. Reach out to schools near you to ask how you can help—whether it’s supporting a weekend backpack program, covering lunch debt, or donating supplies.

Get your workplace involved

Does your company offer donation matching or volunteer time off? Ask about it! Organize a food drive, sponsor a local fridge, or plan a group volunteer day at a food pantry.

Call your reps

Let your elected officials know that leaving people hungry is unacceptable. Urge them to protect and fund SNAP, WIC, and other essential support programs. You can also advocate for long-term solutions that address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.

Facts that matter

• 39% of SNAP recipients are children, and 19% are seniors.
• The average SNAP benefit is just $187/month—far below the cost of feeding a family.
• The WIC program, which supports low-income pregnant people and infants, is also running out of funds.
• Food insecurity impacts education, job security, and even local economies. When families can’t buy groceries, small businesses suffer too.

Organizations you can support nationally

• World Central Kitchen
• Global Empowerment Mission
• US Caribbean Strong Relief Fund
• American Friends of Jamaica
• Food For the Poor

Every act of kindness matters

This isn’t just about charity—it’s about community. It’s about seeing each other’s worth and choosing to care, even when systems fall short. Whether you give time, money, food, or encouragement, you are helping someone stay fed, stay hopeful, and stay connected.

Let’s continue to live our Unitarian Universalist values by showing up for our neighbors in meaningful, tangible ways.