WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – Governor Tony Evers is warning Wisconsinites that Wisconsin’s Foodshare program will run out of funding in 10 days unless the government shutdown ends.

Evers says they received a notice from the Trump Administration that there will be insufficient funds to pay November’s SNAP benefits.

That will put food pantries, like The Neighbors’ Place, in greater demand.

Funding for crucial programs like FoodShare and food stamps is set to expire next week, leaving countless families who rely on these services in a tough position.

The impending cutoff is expected to dramatically increase the demand on local food pantries and nonprofits, such as The Neighbors’ Place, which are already struggling to meet existing needs.

Judi Smith, a representative from The Neighbors’ Place, highlighted the severe impact on families, stating, “Quite simply, they don’t have a lot of resources left at the end of the month, even if they are trying to use the pantry to help get ahead. And with the cost of food being up 29% in the last five years, it seems like it’s just one hit after another on our families.”

Smith warned that if the government shutdown continues, the nonprofit’s capacity to provide essential items like presents and warm clothes during the upcoming holiday season will be severely compromised.

In response, The Neighbors’ Place is appealing to Marathon County residents for assistance, urging them to donate nonperishable food items or offer monetary contributions.

“Having people who have a way to contribute or contribute to nonprofits, assist us so that we can meet our residents, which are our neighbors’ needs, is essential right now,” Smith said.

Representative Derrick Van Orden indicated that an end to the government shutdown is not imminent. He urged both political parties to prioritize the well-being of the people they represent.

“I think we should identify problems and try to help people, regardless of what side of the aisle they’re on. I mean, I’m sick and tired of this partisan stuff,” Van Orden said, “We find a problem, and then we look at all the different variables that contribute to that problem, and then we solve for X, and then we move on to the next problem.”

Smith echoed the sentiment, saying, “The government needs to get open. The programs need to exist. It’s negatively impacting all Americans, one way or another.”

The consequences of the shutdown extend beyond food supplies, with an anticipated surge in demand for critical items such as diapers and baby formula.

Currently, the Neighbor’s Place has a schedule for families to come and select a variety of food options. With more people in need of that food, selections will become increasingly limited.