HONOLULU –Credit unions continue to work to fill at least part of the growing demand on food banks across the country as the federal government shutdown has meant missed paychecks for hundreds of thousands of federal workers and caused interruptions in SNAP payments for food assistance to more than 40 million Americans.
SNAP payments were being issued with partial funding due to the government shutdown, with some recipients getting benefits and others facing delays. But the Trump administration is now telling states not to pay full November food stamp benefits, revising its previous guidance following a temporary victory at the Supreme Court last week.
But that assistance could be restored as the Senate has voted 60-40 in favor of a package that would end the government shutdown, for now, as the CU Daily reports here.
As the CU Daily has been reporting, credit unions have made donations large and small to food banks, while also acting as collection points for food donation.
Among some of the latest support from credit unions:
Hawaii State FCU Donates $50,000
In Honolulu, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union has donated $50,000 to support local food banks and pantries as families across the state face growing food insecurity.
“Food insecurity affects families in every community, and when people cannot meet their basic needs, it impacts every aspect of their wellbeing,” President and CEO Andrew Rosen said in a statement. “Local food banks are reporting record demand as more families and federal workers turn to them for help, and we want to do our part to ensure they have the resources to continue their critical work. Hawaii State FCU is committed to supporting our community in every way we can.”
Food Collection in Wisconsin
In Beloit, Wis., First Community Credit Union (FirstCCU) is inviting its members and the community to come together in the spirit of giving through its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, running through Nov. 30.
“The campaign is a chance to make a meaningful difference for families facing food insecurity, including those impacted by the recent government shutdown,” the credit union said.
It added that donation bins will be available at all FirstCCU branches during business hours (9 AM – 5 PM), with community members encouraged to contribute nutritious, shelf-stable food items.
“This time of year reminds us just how powerful compassion can be,” President and CEO Jack Gill said in a statement. “Every can, every box, every thoughtful donation represents a warm meal and a message to someone in need: You are not forgotten. That’s something we can all be proud to be part of.”
Redwood CU Supports ‘Porch to Pantry’
In Santa Rosa, Calif., Redwood Credit Union (RCU) is stepping up to make donating easier than ever. This holiday season, RCU is collaborating with A Simple Gesture (ASG), a nonprofit startup, to expand and introduce a “porch-to-pantry” doorstep food collection model for North Bay communities and San Francisco.
The food drive runs through Dec. 19 and is a “powerful and convenient way to help ease the hardships caused by the persisting government shutdown and the funding cuts to food banks and safety net services,” RCU said.
Donations can also be made at this link.
On Nov. 8 and Dec. 13, volunteers will pick up the shelf-stable food from donors’ homes and deliver them to local food banks and pantries. Food donations after Dec. 13 can be made directly to food banks, according to the credit union.
“Supporting essential human needs like food security has been a priority for RCU for decades, and right now, it’s more important than ever,” President and CEO Brett Martinez said in a statement. “We know from experience that our community wants to help when there’s a need—so we want to make it easy for them to engage and support. This innovative porch-to-pantry food drive makes it simple and convenient for people to donate and know they’re making a difference.”
More Than $250K Donated
Through its community giving efforts, RCU said it has donated more than $250,000 to local organizations working to combat food insecurity in 2025 alone, while its employees volunteer monthly at local food banks to help meet the needs of those facing hunger.
“Before the government shutdown, Martinez saw the need for food increasing and took initiative, launching this new food drive model and utilizing a nonprofit startup and technology to scale it into a viable, community-wide solution,” the credit union said. “With current conditions intensifying food insecurity, the timing of this initiative has proven both urgent and essential.
Volunteers for the food drive will pick up the donations and deliver them to a partner food bank in the area.”
Eastman Credit Union Donates $60,000
In Tennessee, Eastman Credit Union (ECU) has donated $50,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee to help those facing food insecurity amid the government shutdown.
The credit union said the contribution will help the food bank provide food to those impacted by the shutdown and interruption of SNAP benefits.
“Eastman Credit Union has always been deeply committed to the well-being of our members and the communities we serve,” ECU President and CEO Kelly Price said in a statement. “From the beginning of the government shutdown, we’ve stood by our federal employee members offering financial options to help alleviate stress during this disruption in pay, and we remain steadfast in that support.”
Eastman Credit Union also pledged $10,000 to the East Texas Food Bank, where the credit union operates four branches.
ECU said it is also supporting federal workers impacted by the shutdown by offering loan payment deferrals and providing personal loans to bridge the paycheck gap.
7/17 Donates $10,000
In Northeast Ohio, 7/17 Credit Union donated $10,000 to Second Harvest Food Bank ahead of the food bank’s 5th annual Autumn Splendor Plant-Based Dinner fundraiser.
The dinner sponsorship donation will directly benefit Second Harvest and offer nearly 55,000 pounds of food for Mahoning Valley residents in need, the credit union said.
7/17 Credit Union added it is committed to helping uphold Second Harvest’s mission: Ensuring no one in the Valley goes hungry.
“This $10,000 donation is going to go a long way. We can provide five meals for $1—so that’s 50,000 meals that are going to be provided with this generous donation,” Second Harvest Executive Director Mike Iberis said. “That’s going to help a lot of people.”
