City of Albany and Dougherty County urge community support during government shutdown

ALBANY, Ga. – Starting Saturday, November 1, 2025, benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will stop due to the ongoing government shutdown. This change will
leave many families in our area without access to food and other important resources. Many local workers are also currently furloughed.

“At this time, Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is projecting that Georgia WIC will have sufficient funding to continue program operations through approximately mid-November. However, a break in WIC benefits could occur due to an extended federal government shutdown. DPH continues to evaluate options to extend WIC benefits as long as possible. WIC participants should continue to attend appointments and use the eWIC card at authorized Georgia WIC vendors until otherwise directed,” Nancy Nydam Shirek, Director, Division of Communications for the Georgia Department of Public Health.

City and County leaders are asking the community to come together once again to support one another during this difficult time.

“Ensuring that all residents of Albany and Dougherty County have access to nutritious food is a priority for our community,” said Dougherty County Chairman Lorenzo Heard. “We urge all eligible families to review their benefits, plan ahead, and reach out for help if needed. At the same time, we call upon our neighbors, faith-based organizations, local businesses and community volunteers to step up so no one falls through the cracks.”

“As some of our neighbors face the expiration of SNAP and WIC benefits, we call upon citizens to provide assistance to our neighbors and friends who find themselves and their families without access to their basic needs as a result of partisan discord. I am confident that the people of Albany will seize this difficult time to extend a helping hand to those affected by the Government shutdown,” said Albany Mayor Bo Dorough.

What to Expect:

• SNAP households in Georgia may not receive their November benefits if the shutdown
continues.

• Families can still use any remaining funds on their EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards
until the balance runs out.

• WIC participants should contact their local WIC clinic to check on their benefits, as
funding may be affected.

• Local food banks and charities may see more people needing help

How You Can Help or Get Help:

• Check your EBT card balance using the Georgia ConnectEBT website or mobile app and
plan your shopping carefully.

• WIC participants should use any available eWIC funds before they expire.

• Stay updated through local government and Georgia Department of Human Services
announcements.

• Community members and businesses can help by donating food, volunteering, or giving
money to local food banks and meal programs.

Food Donations Can Be Dropped Off At:

Feeding the Valley
1706 Ledo Road
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Most-Needed Food Items:

• Canned meats and fish

• Grits

• Fruit (cups, canned, or dried)

• Rice

• Vegetables

• Pasta

• Soups

• Macaroni & Cheese (boxed)

• Breakfast cereals

• Instant mashed potatoes (boxed)

• Oatmeal

Other Ways to Help:

• Donate online at feedingthevalley.org/donate/. Just $1 can provide 6 meals.

• Host a food drive. Visit feedingthevalley.org/give-food/ for resources.

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