Pierce County families are among the nearly 42 million Americans preparing for their food stamp benefits to run dry in November because of an ongoing government shutdown.
The US Department of …
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Pierce County families are among the nearly 42 million Americans preparing for their food stamp benefits to run dry in November because of an ongoing government shutdown.
The US Department of Agriculture announced in mid-October that it doesn’t have the funding to provide November’s benefits during the government shutdown. National media organizations have been following the situation closely, with the White House announcing Nov. 3 that it will partially fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November. This came after two judges issued rulings requiring the government to keep the program running.
The USDA had planned to freeze payments starting Nov. 1 because of its inability to fund it during the government shutdown. According to the Associated Press, the program serves about 1 in 8 Americans and costs more than $8 billion per month nationally. AP reports the government will use $4.65 billion of an emergency fund to cover about half of the normal benefits for November. There’s no telling what December could bring if the shutdown continues.
According to Pierce County Economic Support Manager Chris Tuenge, 1,107 families in Pierce County will not be receiving SNAP benefits in November, which means they may not get their basic food needs met. With the White House’s announcement Monday that it will partially fund the program, it’s not clear yet how much people may receive or when.
“At this time, we do not have any official information or guidance. We need to await further clarification and direction from the state of Wisconsin Department of Health Services,” Tuenge said.
Pierce County Human Services Director Julie Krings said people will have to prioritize spending and make some hard choices, such as choosing between food, medication, rent or other bills. On average, each household in Pierce receives $284 monthly.
The Pierce County September 2025 FoodShare Summary shows that of the 2,148 people who receive SNAP benefits, 1,329 are adults and 819 are children. The age ranges are broken down like this:
The report shows that 483 of those recipients (22.49%) are employed in September 2025 with an average monthly earned income of $1,947. Over the past year, 34.69% of adult FoodShare recipients were employed.
Individuals belonging to working families (households with at least one minor and their parent who also earns income) made up 25.7% of all FoodShare members. Of these members, 68% belonged to a working family with one parent, and 32% belonged to a working family with two parents in September 2025.
Tuenge said that in Pierce County, 49.8% of households include at least one elderly, blind, or disabled individual.
“These are our most vulnerable individuals living on fixed incomes and are unable to work due to health or age-related limitations,” she said. “32.93% of SNAP households have at least one person who is either employed or self-employed. 33.8% of Pierce County households receiving SNAP include minors, these benefits play a crucial role in helping our families with children meet their basic needs.”
In an Oct. 30 news release, Gov. Tony Evers and a coalition of governors pressed the Trump Administration to use billions of dollars in readily available federal funding to prevent millions of Americans, including nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites, from having to go hungry after losing access to food assistance due to the federal government shutdown. Wisconsin FoodShare is 100 percent funded by the federal government.
Gov. Evers last week announced Wisconsin had joined a multi-state lawsuit fighting against the Trump Administration’s decision not to use available federal funding to extend food assistance into November. The lawsuit aimed to fight the Trump Administration’s decision not to follow federal law.
Evers also said that Wisconsin WIC is currently available, and based on the information available at this time, November benefits will also be available. During the government shutdown, WIC members can use their WIC benefits, attend WIC appointments, and do not need to take any action. If there are changes to the availability of WIC funding and benefits, DHS will let WIC members, partners, and providers know as soon as possible. Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus members still have coverage to get the care and services they need.
When asked what people can do to help, Tuenge advised residents to check on each other, be kind and patient and offer support in any way you can.
“Remember, those receiving assistance are our neighbors, grandparents, and working parents doing their best to make ends meet. Support your local food pantries,” Tuenge said.
Krings echoed that sentiment, noting that food pantries can stretch a monetary donation farther as they are able to purchase food at discounted prices and can buy what their consumers need most.
“Many schools have ‘weekend backpack’ programs where a backpack full of groceries will be sent home with a child for weekend meals. Reach out to see how you can make a donation to support these programs as well,” Krings said. “Another impact of recipients not receiving their FoodShare benefits has a direct impact on our local economy. This means less money going to our local grocery stores, farmers (FoodShare benefits are accepted at many local summer and winter farmer's markets), and other retailers. Research indicates that for every $1 spent on the FoodShare program it generates $1.50 for the local economy.”
Flood Our Food Bank
Several Ellsworth businesses and organizations banded together last week to launch “Flood Our Food Bank,” a 48-hour community-led, grassroots campaign to fill the Pierce County food bank to overflowing before money runs out.
The goal was to raise $10,000 in 48 hours; the final tally as of 9 a.m. Nov. 4 was $7,775, with more coming in. Every dollar donated turns into $7 of food thanks to the food pantry’s purchasing power.
Thank you everyone,” said Pierce County Food Pantry Director Heidi Albarado. “$7,775 will go a long way to helping our neighbors in need.”
Albarado also shared the following statistics:
YB Urban? will be accepting donations for the food pantry through the Thanksgiving holiday. The Ellsworth Public Library will also continue to collect cash donations and will host a food drive in November and December. People can also donate directly at www.hungerpreventioncouncil.com/give
Several area businesses are also offering free meals to those on SNAP benefits, including Tarnation Tavern in River Falls.
Any Wisconsinite who needs additional food or infant formula for their house or family can reach out to 211 for information and referrals to local services. Anyone can use 211 to get help by:
