On October 28, Jane Doorley and her husband Bill arrived at the Fairborn Fish Food Pantry in Ohio, where they noticed an influx of families seeking food assistance. Jane reported an increase in demand, with around 250 families, including 300 children, visiting the pantry on days it is open. The pantry serves a community close to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which employs approximately 38,000 people and has been affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The shutdown has led to significant challenges for military personnel and civilian contractors in the region, with over 8,100 civilian workers at the Air Force Material Command receiving furlough notices. In response, local food banks are experiencing heightened demand, with expectations to assist 500 families in the current week, up from an average of 250 families per week in September. Jane noted the anxiety among those seeking assistance, as many arrive early fearing that food supplies may run out.
The air force base is historically regarded as a stable employment source, contributing nearly $16 billion annually to the local economy. However, local businesses, such as Tik’s Thai Express, are feeling the impacts of the reduced military presence, reporting a significant drop in customers during weekday mornings.
The nationwide impact is considerable, with about 750,000 civilians working with the military, half of whom are estimated to be furloughed. Recent reports indicate uncertainty surrounding back pay for furloughed employees, exacerbating financial pressures on military families and local businesses. Additionally, auxiliary services, such as the National Museum of the US Air Force, have closed, resulting in losses for the community.
Local authorities are stepping up support for food banks, and efforts to offer assistance include discounted meals for military personnel. Despite these measures, many community leaders, like Jane Doorley, are calling for a political resolution to address the ongoing struggles faced by those affected by the shutdown.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/08/ohio-food-pantry-government-shutdown