Federal funding cuts and the government shutdown are threatening SNAP food assistance and utility assistance for families across Washington DC. With uncertainty around SNAP and heat assistance withheld as winter sets in, families across DC are facing hunger and basic needs insecurity. The Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law and Policy (GJPLP) is raising emergency funds for the Georgetown Health Justice Alliance (HJA) Law Clinic 's Fund, which provides direct food and other financial assistance to low-income children and families in crisis.
Can you give today?
- Just $6 can replace one day of SNAP benefits for one person.
- $114 can cover a DC family’s November electricity bill.
- $332 can cover a DC family’s monthly SNAP benefits.
- $622 can keep a DC family’s heat on through the winter.
No Food and No Certainty
For months, low-income families in DC have faced worsening hunger. Since the start of the second Trump administration, food assistance for low-income families has been under sustained threat. In July 2025, Congress passed the largest SNAP funding cut in United States history. Federal rollbacks to SNAP and other public benefits – including eligibility restrictions and unduly burdensome work requirements – are already taking effect.
Starting in November, low-income families in DC will face even greater uncertainty. Many parents are already making impossible choices between food, rent, and utilities. Now, they may lose their SNAP benefits altogether.
Further, critical utility assistance from the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will not be provided in November, and whether the program will resume in the future is unclear. LIHEAP helps families keep the heat on through the winter, refrigerate food, and prepare warm meals.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, many states will not issue SNAP or LIHEAP benefits in November. On October 30, the DC Mayor announced that local contingency funds will be used to cover November SNAP benefits, but will not cover LIHEAP. It is unknown whether SNAP benefits will be issued in December and beyond. As a result, many low-income DC families will have to make impossible choices about how to keep their children safe, healthy, and fed.
Why SNAP and Food Assistance Matter
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, is the nation’s most effective anti-hunger program, serving approximately 42 million people and 141,000 DC residents, including 47,000 children.
SNAP provides households with the financial resources to purchase nourishing foods that meet their nutritional, medical, and cultural needs. When these basic needs go unmet, it can lead to immediate and severe consequences, including worsening health outcomes and even preventable death.
Beyond feeding families, SNAP sustains local economies. Many small businesses depend on SNAP revenue. Without it, they risk closing – further reducing food access in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Meeting Community Need
In response to our community’s urgent need, the Georgetown Journal on Poverty Law & Policy (GJPLP) has organized an emergency fundraiser. 100% of proceeds will go directly to the Health Justice Alliance (HJA) Law Clinic Fund, which provides immediate assistance to families facing food and financial crises.
The HJA Law Clinic is a medical-legal partnership supporting low-income DC families and children. Clients are referred to HJA by pediatricians who identify legal needs that are harming patients’ health, including housing conditions, food and housing insecurity, and disability accommodations.
About the HJA Law Clinic Fund
The HJA Law Clinic Fund provides critical resources that the Clinic's clients need for economic, food, and housing insecurity. It was established in memory of HJA Law Clinic alumna Nicole Carroll, who was a tireless advocate for social justice, especially for children living in poverty.
Learn more about the HJA Law Clinic Fund here: https://tinyurl.com/hjalawclinicfund
Why Give Cash?
While donating food can help, cash assistance and grocery gift cards are the most effective form of emergency relief for many low-income families. They preserve dignity of choice and allow families to purchase foods that meet their specific needs. Moreover, families no longer receiving utilities assistance can cover their electricity and gas bills to keep the heat on.
All HJA clients are low-income DC families with children, and 100% of funds raised will be distributed to them through the HJA Clinic’s client fund.
How to Help
- If you are a law student or community member, consider donating $6 – one day of SNAP benefits for one person.
- If you are a summer associate or employed with a law firm, ask your firm to match your donation or consider donating $332 – the monthly benefit amount for an average SNAP household in 2025.
- If you would like to donate food, please direct your donations to the Capital Area Food Bank or your local food pantry. Additionally, keep in mind that food distribution centers can make your dollars go much farther.
- If you cannot donate, please spread the word about this fundraiser and stay tuned for more information, including policy advocacy and pro bono opportunities.
NOTE: If you'd like your donation to be tax-deductible, please donate directly to the HJA Clinic's client fund, linked here: https://secure.advancement.georgetown.edu/s/1686/18/giving.aspx?sid=1686&gid=4&pgid=3975&cid=5816&dids=793.144&bledit=1&sort=1&unit=8&appealcode=gfr067.
NOTE: The law student co-organizers of this fund have a close working relationship with the HJA Law Clinic. The co-organizers developed a plan with the HJA Law Clinic to facilitate donation transfers. Whenever a donation transfer from this GoFundMe to the HJA Law Clinic Fund takes place, the Georgetown Law Development Office is notified to ensure the funds are transferred properly. Questions about this process can be directed to the co-organizers.