Memphis food charities are reporting a sharp increase in demand as the federal government shutdown continues and SNAP benefits remain frozen for the first time in the program’s 60-year history.

A look at the efforts of two organizations offers a snapshot of a wider response as many more are rising to the challenge of ensuring that Memphians reliant on the program don’t have to go without food.

Catholic Charities of West Tennessee said calls for food assistance rose 600% in late October. Lines at distribution sites have stretched around the block, and the nonprofit has expanded food output by at least 30 percent to meet demand as SNAP disbursements for November have been held up. While payouts are to begin at some point this month, the amounts are likely to be less than usual.

Catholic Charities of West Tennessee Executive Director George Nixon, left, and Senior Director of Development and Marketing Mike Goughnour stand outside the organization’s food distribution center in Memphis on Nov. 5, 2025. The nonprofit reports a 600% increase in requests for food assistance amid the ongoing federal shutdown and frozen SNAP benefits. (D’Angelo Connell/Tri-State Defender)

Mike Goughnour, senior director of development and marketing for Catholic Charities, said the shutdown is forcing new families into crisis.

“We are seeing people who have never had to navigate food assistance before, and they are showing up because they do not have a choice,” he said.

Catholic Charities Executive Director George Nixon said the organization intends to help every family it can.

“We are here to help everyone who comes,” Nixon said. “If we ever have to say no, it is only because the food has run out.”

First Congregational Church in Midtown is seeing the same pattern. The church serves hot lunches Monday through Thursday and provides bag lunches on Fridays. Wednesday, Nov. 5, it served 240 meals, including 54 new families.

Hunter Demster, the church’s director of facilities, said in addition to the shutdown, increased law enforcement and federal agency’s occupation in the city as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force have become a barrier to some families seeking food assistance.

“People are going hungry because they cannot afford to fix a poverty infraction like expired tags,” he said. “Some of our regular guests are scared to get in a car at all.”

Nixon said the current level of food distribution is not sustainable without restored federal assistance.

“The numbers do not add up in the long term,” he said. “We can expand temporarily, but without restored SNAP benefits or sustained public support, the current pace cannot be maintained.”

For information on volunteering, donating or receiving assistance from these groups, visit CCWTN.org and First Congregational Church.