The Trump administration is continuing its fight to withhold full food stamp benefits from states during the ongoing government shutdown. This comes after a lower court order last week demanded the use of $4 billion from another fund to pay for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in full, CNN reports.
With nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP and many still waiting for their November payments, nonprofits and religious groups have stepped in to provide crucial support. However, the surge in demand is pushing these organizations to their limits, creating new challenges in how they operate and manage risks.
Sarah Veader, AVP of Risk Control at Church Mutual Insurance Company, describes the situation as “extreme.” Food lines stretch for miles, and nonprofits that usually work with steady donations and volunteers now face overwhelming numbers. This sudden growth increases certain risks, including accidents like slips and falls.
Another concern arises from the influx of new, often untrained volunteers. Veader emphasizes the importance of basic safety training, even quick orientations, to help volunteers understand lifting techniques and emergency steps. Pairing newcomers with experienced helpers can also reduce risks.
Food safety is becoming more tricky as well. With more donations, especially perishables, keeping up with temperature controls, cleanliness, and pest prevention is tougher. Spoiled food not only risks people’s health but can also hurt an organization’s reputation and lead to lawsuits. Veader suggests careful tracking of donations and using a “first in, first out” system to keep things safe.
Beyond physical threats, nonprofits face rising cyber risks. Handling more donations means processing more financial and personal information, making these groups targets for cybercrime. Veader advises simple steps like encryption, password protection, and updating software to protect data. She also points out many free or low-cost cybersecurity tools are available for nonprofits through insurers and support networks.
Additionally, staff and volunteers are at risk of burnout. As the demand for help goes up and resources run thin, keeping up morale is harder. Veader notes that burnout can affect both safety and the quality of help provided. Showing empathy toward those seeking food assistance, many for the first time, is also vital during this stressful period.
With the SNAP crisis and shutdown still ongoing, the pressure on nonprofits keeps increasing. Insurance experts say providers will likely need to revisit coverage and underwriting for property, liability, and cyber exposures as the situation develops.
Veader highlights that risk management doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple, consistent practices like keeping walkways clear and training volunteers on safe lifting can make a big difference. She encourages organizations to lean on their insurance partners and other available resources.
Despite the challenges, these groups are doing important work. By pausing to review their operations and supporting their teams, nonprofits can continue serving communities safely and effectively while showing care for those who need it most.