‘It’s challenging to anticipate’: Lincoln nonprofit speaks on looming government shutdown

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nonprofits across Nebraska are bracing for the uncertainty of a possible government shutdown.

For food access programs, the stakes are much higher.

Local nonprofit, Nebraska Appleseed, serves as the bridge for many families who rely on these types of programs.

The Food and Nutrition Access Program Manager, Eric Savaiano, said the biggest issue right now is the amount of unknowns.

“SNAP participants can likely expect SNAP benefits to be good through October at least,” he said. “If the government shutdown lasts longer than a few weeks, it’s challenging to anticipate. We don’t know what will happen but November benefits are more in jeopardy.”

Those benefits support thousands of Nebraskans struggling with food insecurity.

While Nebraska Appleseed said they’ll do everything they can to help those struggling, Savaiano said it’s important for everyone to make their voice heard.

“What we encourage people to do is reach out to our representatives and make sure that they know that they’re suffering or will suffer if the government shutdown continues,” he said. “Especially if they are not getting the SNAP benefits they need.”

Savaiano said it’s not just the impact a potential shutdown could have on the food programs, it’s also those on the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

“The state has their own amount of money that they provide for WIC,” he said. “They will get reimbursed after a government shutdown, but when the money runs out, the money runs out.”

If a spending bill is not passed in the Senate by 11 p.m. CT, the government will shut down for the first time in nearly seven years.