If you’re a Georgia resident on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and wondering what happens if there is a federal government shutdown, here are some key points and options: 

 

✅ What remains available 

  • The state of Georgia offers the The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which “helps supplement the diets of low-income individuals … by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost.” Georgia Family & Children Services+1 
  • Local food banks and pantries are available throughout Georgia and may help households when SNAP or other assistance is delayed. 
  • The regular SNAP program itself is federally funded, so it continues unless federal funding is cut or suspended. 

 

⚠️ Risk if shutdown continues 

  • A shutdown could threaten funding for SNAP and related programs. For instance, recent reporting indicates that if the shutdown continues, “food assistance programs may be at risk” in Georgia—including SNAP and the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program. Axios 
  • Because SNAP is federally funded, if Congress does not appropriate funds for it, there could be delays or interruptions in benefit issuance. 

 

🛠 What you can do 

  • Keep track of your SNAP EBT card to ensure benefits are loaded. 
  • Identify and contact your local food bank or pantry now, so you know your backup options. 
  • Apply to TEFAP or other emergency food assistance programs in your county. 
  • Monitor announcements from the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) or county offices for updates about benefit disruptions. 
  • If you anticipate a lapse, plan ahead for a short period without grocery assistance (e.g., budgeting, stocking up reasonably where possible). 

Here’s how to apply for the The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) in Georgia: 

 

✅ Steps to Apply 

  1. Visit the official Georgia page for TEFAP via the Georgia Department of Human Services – Division of Family & Children Services. Georgia Family & Children Services+1 
  2. Determine if your household meets the eligibility income guidelines. For example: monthly income limits for a household of 1: $2,510; for household of 2: $3,407. Middle Georgia Community Food Bank+1 
  3. Download and complete the Household Eligibility Criteria Form for TEFAP. Middle Georgia Community Food Bank+1 
  4. Contact your local food bank or a TEFAP distributing site in your county to find out distribution days, whether you need to make an appointment, and required documents. Georgia Family & Children Services 
  5. Bring the completed form and any required proof of income/household size to the distribution site. Self‐attestation may be accepted (as noted on the form). Middle Georgia Community Food Bank 

 

📝 What You’ll Need 

  • The completed eligibility form (household income, number of people, signature). Middle Georgia Community Food Bank+1 
  • Proof of income or a statement of your income if required. 
  • Your address or county of residence (to show you live in a county covered by TEFAP). Middle Georgia Community Food Bank 
  • Knowledge of where your nearest TEFAP distribution site is (food pantry, food bank, mobile pantry). 

 

📍 Additional Info & Contact 

Here’s a print-friendly list of TEFAP/emergency food pantry partner sites in Hall County (Gainesville area). Note: You should call ahead, as days/hours and whether TEFAP-commodities are available may change. 

 

Hall County Food Pantry/Distribution Sites 


Buford Family SDA Church Pantry 

4042 Friendship Rd, Buford, GA 30518 

Tuesdays, 11 am – 3 pm 

Pantry in Hall County partner list. Ga Mountain Food Bank+1 


Chestnut Mountain Baptist Church Pantry 

4903 Chestnut Mountain Circle, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 

2nd & 4th Thurs, 10am – 1pm 

Pantry pick-ups by schedule. Ga Mountain Food Bank 


Gainesville – Hall Community Food Pantry 

615 Oak St Suite E, Gainesville, GA 30501 

Tues & Thurs 12pm – 1:30pm 

Client can come once every 30 days. Ga Mountain Food Bank+1 


Cornerstone Assembly of God Pantry 

5004 McEver Rd., Oakwood, GA 30566 

2nd & 3rd Sat 9am – 12pm 

Hall County-resident pantry; ID and proof of residence required. Ga Mountain Food Bank 


Covenant Connections Church Pantry 

5818 Atlanta Hwy, Flowery Branch, GA 30542 

1st & 3rd Sat 10am – 12pm 

No restrictions noted. Ga Mountain Food Bank 


South Hall Community Food Pantry 

4211 Walnut St, Oakwood, GA 30566 

Mondays 4pm – 6pm; Thurs & Sat 10am – 12pm 

Hall County residents; first visit requires photo ID & SS cards. Ga Mountain Food Bank+1 


Liberty Baptist Church – Loaves & Fishes 

7439 W County Line Rd, Lula, GA 30554 

Fourth Sat 8:30 – 10am & preceding Fri 2 – 4pm 

Client choice pantry; health screenings & SNAP assistance offered. Ga Mountain Food Bank 

 

✅ Helpful Tips for Using This List 

  • Bring a photo ID and proof of address/residency (utility bill, mail) when visiting for the first time — many pantries ask for this. 
  • Ask when the next TEFAP commodity distribution is (some pantries get special deliveries). 
  • If you cannot make it at the scheduled time, call the pantry to check for alternate or emergency hours. 
  • Keep in mind that eligibility under The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is based on income and household size; some pantries may ask you to complete a form. Georgia Family & Children Services+1 
  • Some pantries are “client choice” (you pick your items) while others are “pre-packaged boxes” — ask about the format when you call.