WATERLOO, Iowa–With SNAP benefits remaining in limbo and approximately 40 million Americans facing uncertainties around food, credit unions across the country are stepping up assistance to food banks and other nonprofits.
The government shutdown has led to the elimination for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with the Trump administration initially saying it would not provide funds and then later stating it will provide half the funding but not saying when, long lines have formed at many food organizations around the U.S. Numerous states governments have also stepped in.
In Iowa, Veridian Credit Union said has pledged $100,000 to organizations and events that are fighting local food insecurity across Iowa; Omaha, Neb. and Eden Prairie, Minn.. The funds will be divided among area food banks, local pantries and events or programs offering free Thanksgiving meals.
“Like many credit unions, Veridian was founded on the need to support our communities and the people in them,” Veridian President and CEO Renee Christoffer said in a statement. “The number of people facing food insecurity in our communities is growing, and it’s important that we support those working to address it – especially this holiday season.”
Event Feeds More Than 1,000 People
In addition to feeding an estimated 1,300 people at Veridian’s 44th annual Mike & Leona Adams Thanksgiving Dinner in Waterloo later this month, a portion of the funds committed will be used to support similar free Thanksgiving meal events and programs, the credit unions aid.
Veridian employees also expect to serve more than 380 volunteer hours across the four events, providing an estimated 11,300 meals.
Pen Air Partners With Food Bank
In Pensacola, Fla., Manna Food Bank, along with Pen Air Credit Union, are helping with a food distribution for furloughed employees and military who are feeling the impact of the shutdown.
The organizations reported that cars were lining up early at Pen Air Credit Union with people hoping to bring home something to put on the table.
The food bank reported the need has surged even more since SNAP benefits were paused for thousands of local families.
“Our community is faced with a crisis right now because about 60,000 people in the two-county area receive SNAP benefits,” the organizations said.
“It’s an opportunity for us to be kind, compassionate, and really show that PenAir spirit of service and respect and communerosity that we really strive to give every single day,” Corporate Communications Manager Lewis Garvin said in a statement.
Staff and volunteers say they’re committed to keeping up with the demand, bringing nearly 20,000 pounds of food to give out.
People’s CU Donates $50K
In Rhode Island, People’s Credit Union announced it is donating $50,000 to food pantries in response to uncertainties surrounding SNAP benefits.
The $50,000 was distributed to six local pantries in the East Bay, officials said.
As part of the effort, the credit union also said it is hosting a food drive in all branch locations in the month of November.
“This was really brought about after we saw what was happening in Pawtucket where they had miles of backup for people accessing food and looking at stats that 1 in 8 people are on SNAP benefits,” PCU’s Sean Daly said. “And also who is impacted by this, which is largely older folks, people with disabilities and children. So, for us, it really felt like it was a call to action.”
Cobalt CU Launches Food Drive
In Papillion, Neb., Cobalt Credit Union has launched a community-wide food drive at all of its branch locations, with the exception of the Offutt Base branch.
In addition to collecting non-perishable food items, an option to make a financial donation to Food Bank of the Heartland is available on Cobalt’s website and through QR codes posted at the participating branches, the credit union said.
Food donations will benefit the Food Bank for the Heartland, unless a branch falls outside its service area, in which case a local food assistance organization will be designated. The drive will run through the end of the following week, offering community members multiple opportunities to give back.
Citadel CU Collecting Food
In Exton, Penn., during November all 24 Citadel Credit Union branches across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties will serve as food donation drop-off sites.
In addition, Citadel has donated $30,000 to local food banks to ensure shelves stay stocked during this critical time.
This initiative, part of Citadel’s “Our Values in Action” campaign, embodies the credit union’s long-standing commitment to building strength and stability across Greater Philadelphia. Donations will directly support trusted community partners including Chester County Food Bank, Water Street Mission, Warminster Food Bank, and Share Food Program, the credit union said.
‘More Than Financial Centers’
“Our branches are more than financial centers—they’re part of the community,” CEO Bill Brown said in a statement. “By turning every office into a food collection site, we’re making it easy for members, employees, and residents to help feed families during this challenging time.”
Land of Lincoln CU Donates $52K
In Illinois, Land of Lincoln Credit Union (LLCU) made a total donation of $52,500 to10 different central Illinois area food pantries and service organizations,
“With the uncertainty surrounding SNAP program funding due to the government shutdown, the most vulnerable in our communities that rely on that funding to obtain basic necessities, will most likely do without,” LLCU President and CEO Robert Ares said in a statement. “As an organization from our board to our staff, we cannot simply standby and watch our friends and neighbors do without those necessities. So, we chose to make this contribution to local food banks with established infrastructure to help our neighbors. It is our hope that other businesses in the community will step up and do the same.”
Internal Assistance Also Available
LLCU said it has also developed internal offerings and assistance for their own staff in need during this time. Additionally, assistance efforts have been implemented for LLCU members who may be experiencing difficulties due to the government shutdown in any way, which include loan payment deferment.
