Data and history

The U.S. government shutdown surpassed the previous 35-day record, becoming the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. History.

After federal judges ordered the USDA to resume distributing SNAP payments, affecting 130,900 Idaho residents, the agency announced plans to freeze benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown. The Trump administration said in court filings Monday that it would use emergency funds to partially cover November benefits, but later stated that payments would not be made until Democrats agreed to end the shutdown.

Trump's post on Truth Social said, "SNAP BENEFITS, which increased by Billions and Billions of Dollars (MANY FOLD!) during Crooked Joe Biden’s disastrous term in office (Due to the fact that they were haphazardly 'handed' to anyone for the asking, as opposed to just those in need, which is the purpose of SNAP!), will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before! Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Local businesses in Idaho step up

The Idaho Food Bank's food locator tool on its website is seeing six times the traffic compared to this time last year, according to Kathy Holland, Director of Health and Nutrition.

Roshan Kumer, owner of Himalayan Flavor, which has two locations in Idaho, including Pocatello and Idaho Falls and a third location in Logan, Utah, has implemented a free meal program in each of his restaurants to help community members affected by the recent government shutdown.

"This isn't a promotion — it's a community effort from our hearts," according to a press release posted on Himalayan Flavor's Facebook account.

Since opening his restaurants eight years ago, Kumer has been grateful to his community for allowing the restaurant to thrive. This has been a way for Kumer to give back to that community.

"We have seen a lot of families stopping in and grabbing food, and they've been very appreciative of what we are doing," said Kumer.

Since Kumer implemented this program on Oct. 26, he has seen at least 10-15 families each day at each of the three locations, which is 60-70 families being helped every day that have come in and taken advantage of the free meal offer by discreetly telling an employee of their situation.

Patriot Tile LLC, a tiling company that located in Idaho Falls, is teaming up with other local businesses to offer $125 grocery store gift cards to affected families.

"We have been blessed with steady work this year and want to show everyone how much our community means to us through helping those who need it during the government shutdown," said Mikayla Rhudy, wife of Adam Rhudy, the owner of Patriot Tile LLC.

Patriot Tile LLC announced the gift card giveaway on their Facebook account, also asking other local businesses to assist in the effort.

RAD Painting LLC was one of the businesses that decided to help.

"I think times are really hard for most people right now, so I was just trying to help as much as I can," said Darrion Harris, the owner of RAD Painting LLC. "I thought it was amazing what they were doing for the community, and was glad to donate towards something such as food to help families out, especially around the holidays."

Due to local businesses stepping in to help Patriot Tile LLC carry out its gift card giveaways, they were able to double the amount of gift cards given away from four to eight cards.

The Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen has seen an uptick in its volunteers recently.

"With SNAP benefits partially going away for November, we do expect to see a 20% increase in patrons we serve lunch to," says Amy Grider, their Volunteer Coordinator.

Grider explains that the community has been extremely supportive over these past weeks, with more volunteers and donations to the kitchen.

Community shows up for each other

Not only have local businesses stepped up, but even individual community members are using their own funds, resources and time to help those affected.

Amanda Davis Keppner, a local community member and mother, posted on Facebook offering breast milk to mothers in need in the area.

"I know people who rely on SNAP, and I've known people who couldn't produce enough milk for their babies, and it was like a lightbulb turned on," said Keppner.

WIC has shared concerns that, despite still receiving funding, baby formula will be hard to acquire, asmost food banks do not accept donated formula due to health concerns.

Haley Queen, an Idaho Falls resident, and posted to a Facebook group offering pantry staples and leftovers from a large meal she cooked.

Queen shares that she was inspired to help after someone paid for a can of formula and a box of cereal for her kids last year when she was struggling to make ends meet.

"I remember that day I said to myself, one day, I'm going to pay it forward when I have the finances to do so," Queen said. "A few cans of leftover food can make a meal for a family, or leftovers from a large dinner can be dinner for another family. A little goes a long way."