As the federal government shutdown continues, Goodwill of North Georgia is choosing to keep its SNAP Employment & Training programs operational, even as federal funding is temporarily frozen. The nonprofit says this decision is crucial to prevent thousands of Georgians from losing access to food benefits and job-readiness support.

On October 29, the Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) instructed Goodwill and other partner organizations to pause their SNAP E&T activities because the state cannot receive federal reimbursement during the shutdown. However, Goodwill, the state’s largest SNAP E&T provider, has decided to continue serving participants using private donations, philanthropic contributions, and revenue from its retail stores to sustain operations.

“When job training programs are disrupted, it’s not just funding that pauses, but people’s progress. Thousands of Georgians rely on programs like ours to fulfill work requirements, develop skills, and secure sustainable employment. Even as federal dollars are delayed, Goodwill of North Georgia is continuing to serve because access to job training isn’t optional, it’s essential,” said Jenny Taylor, Vice President of Career Services and Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill of North Georgia.

Although DFCS has paused reimbursements, Goodwill continues to track participant hours, facilitate training, and help connect individuals with employers, ensuring that once funding resumes, participants’ efforts will still count toward their SNAP activity requirements.

The organization has also strengthened partnerships with local food distribution networks to assist households facing immediate food insecurity as a result of the shutdown.

Compounding the challenge, new federal work requirements took effect on November 1, expanding the group of individuals who must complete at least 80 hours of work, training, or education per month to remain eligible for SNAP benefits. The changes now include veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, young adults exiting foster care, adults aged 60–64, and parents of teenagers aged 14–18.

Under federal law, adults who fail to meet the requirements may only receive three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period. Many depend on Goodwill’s programs to meet these standards and maintain eligibility.

While courts have ordered the federal government to release contingency funds to restart SNAP payments, it remains unclear when those funds will be available.

In September, Goodwill enrolled 323 participants, including 217 able-bodied adults without dependents, a population especially vulnerable to losing food assistance if they cannot document ongoing work activity.

Operating the SNAP E&T program costs approximately $200,000 per month. Normally, the federal government reimburses half that amount. During the shutdown, however, Goodwill is covering the full expense to ensure no interruption in services.

The organization emphasizes that halting now would have long-term consequences, not only stopping training but also jeopardizing families’ future eligibility for food assistance.

“Our mission is to help people get to work,” Taylor stated. “That mission does not pause because federal funding does.”

Although leaders acknowledge they cannot sustain the program indefinitely without reimbursement, they remain committed to keeping Georgians from falling behind while awaiting federal action.

“We’re calling on the public and private sector alike to stand with Georgia’s working families and ensure that opportunities for advancement remain open to everyone,” said Taylor.

Goodwill is encouraging community members to support its mission through donations or by shopping at its retail stores, every purchase helps sustain the employment and training programs that thousands rely on during this uncertain time.

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