When the government stalls, the grocery line gets longer. With the federal shutdown disrupting SNAP and WIC benefits, millions of Americans are once again being forced to find alternative ways to feed their families. Some states are warning that benefit payments could be delayed or reduced in the coming weeks, creating a perfect storm for those already struggling with high grocery costs.

But the good news? You still have options. Across the country, people are using food banks, community resources, and now even apps like Flashfood to find affordable groceries in real time and sometimes for pennies on the dollar.

If you’ve never heard of Flashfood, this might be your new favorite download.
Flashfood is designed to fight food waste and food insecurity at the same time.

Here’s how it works:

• Grocery chains like Kroger, Meijer, and Giant upload items nearing their “best by” dates — fresh produce, meat, dairy, eggs, and even baked goods.
• Prices are slashed up to 50–70% off the regular cost.
• You shop directly through the app, pay on your phone, and pick up your order in a designated section of the store.

It’s not expired food, it’s simply surplus inventory or items close to their best-by dates.
And while not every store takes EBT yet, some Flashfood locations do accept SNAP, which you can check directly within the app’s interface.

With thousands of stores already participating and new ones added every week, Flashfood is becoming a quiet lifeline for shoppers squeezed by the shutdown.

If you need help today, start local.

The Feeding America network covers every state and offers free food distribution, no questions asked. Just type in your ZIP code to find the nearest pantry or mobile food site.

Other resources:

• FoodFinder.us — interactive map of pantries and community meal programs.
• WhyHunger.org — connects families to food programs and long-term support.
• Local options: Food Bank for NYC, LA Regional Food Bank, Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Atlanta Community Food Bank.

During shutdowns, these networks often expand hours or open temporary “pop-up” sites — check your city’s website or dial 211 for real-time updates.

Even with SNAP funds on hold, plan for when they reload. Many states offer Healthy Incentives Programs that stretch benefits when you buy produce:

• Massachusetts HIP: Get $1 extra for every $1 spent on fruits and vegetables at participating farms.
• Rhode Island’s Eat Well, Be Well: Earn 50 cents back for every $1 spent on produce.
• Double Up Food Bucks (active in several states): Match every SNAP dollar spent at farmers’ markets.

Check your state’s website or visit USDA’s Healthy Incentives page for details.

• Shop store brands and bulk staples. Rice, beans, pasta, oats, and frozen vegetables give you the most nutrition for your money.
• Compare unit prices. The price tag may not tell the full story — check the per-ounce or per-pound cost.
• Freeze and reuse. Bread, produce, and meat freeze well and cut down on waste.
• Use reward apps. Ibotta, Rakuten, and grocery store loyalty programs stack savings on top of sale prices.
• Stick to a list. Plan meals before shopping — impulse buys kill budgets fast.

While waiting for benefits or aid, create a small emergency stash with shelf-stable items like canned beans, lentils, pasta, peanut butter, tuna, and frozen veggies. Even $10 a week toward this buffer can prevent panic later.

Shutdowns remind us that mutual aid still works. Many schools, churches, and neighborhood groups are offering pop-up grocery events and free meal deliveries. If you’re in a position to help, volunteer at or donate to your local food bank — the demand right now is enormous.

If your SNAP or WIC benefits are in limbo, don’t wait for Congress to act. Between Flashfood, community food banks, and state incentive programs, you can still find healthy groceries for little to no cost.

Because while the shutdown drags on, no one should have to go hungry waiting for politics to catch up to people’s lives.