Potential Federal Government Shutdown

Sept. 27, 2023 – The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is monitoring the situation in Congress regarding a potential shutdown of the federal government and its impact on Oklahomans, including our food insecure neighbors and federal employees. The federal government is funded through midnight, Sept. 30.

If Congress does not pass legislation to fund the federal government before the deadline or temporarily extend current funding through a “continuing resolution” – the government will shut down. The Regional Food Bank is prepared to support its network of community-based partners as needed to meet the anticipated increase in number of Oklahomans who are food insecure.

Food assistance is available throughout our partner network in central and western Oklahoma. Visit rfbo.org/get-help to find a partner near you.

Our Response to 2018-19 Federal Shutdown

During the federal shutdown in 2018-2019, the Regional Food Bank responded to an increased need for food assistance as federal employees went without pay. The historic 35-day shutdown inflicted financial stress that resulted in many Oklahoma households facing food insecurity for the first time. During the shutdown, the Regional Food Bank ensured its partners had the food necessary to respond to the increased need and also hosted a major one-day food distribution for federal employees that helped more than 800 families. The Regional Food Bank invited other nonprofits to participate in the distribution to help provide wrap-around services for the families.