The People’s Pantry: While Trump Builds Ballrooms, Furloughed and Fired Federal Workers join Allies to Feed the People

MEDIA ADVISORY 

WHAT: As 42 million Americans face rising hunger, and on the 30th day of the shutdown, furloughed and fired federal workers will gather outside USDA Headquarters to collect food for families in need — and to call on the Trump Administration to release $6 billion in emergency SNAP funds that they are withholding. 

“The People’s Pantry: While Trump Builds a Ballroom, We Feed the People,” will include a program with Members of Congress, faith leaders, food bank workers, and furloughed federal employees who are continuing to serve the public even while they go without pay. While the administration spends money lavishly on vanity projects, like the $300 million White House demolition, federal workers (in their personal capacity) are stepping up to feed the people and defend public service. Food donations will be delivered directly to partnering food banks following the event. Volunteers are hoping to raise at least $10,000 in donations directly to two area food banks, and inspire mutual aid across the country as this Administration fails us. 

Organizers are asking for the public to donate food items in person, as listed by the Arlington Food Assistance Center or to contribute online monetary donations directly to theCapital Area Food Bank. 

WHEN: Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 3:00–5:00 PM ET; Speaker program at 3:30 PM 

WHERE: Near U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Headquarters (rain or shine)

at 1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250

SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS:

DMV Federal Unionists Network (FUN), Indivisible, 50501DC, Free DC, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Federal Unionists Network, Fair Share America, Moonlight Movement, Sunrise Movement, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice,  27 UNIHTED, and more.

WHY:

• The Trump administration has threatened to withhold $6 billion in emergency SNAP funds due November 1 — putting 42 million low-income Americans at risk of hunger.

• One in eight Americans relies on SNAP — this is about whether families can eat.

• In July, the Trump administration cut $187 billion from SNAP over the next decade, gutting one of the nation’s most effective anti-hunger programs.

• More than 30% of the Food and Nutrition Service workforce, which administers SNAP, has been cut since January.

• Meanwhile, grocery prices surge and 24 million Americans face surging healthcare costs.

• Meanwhile, the administration has promised $40 billion to Argentina, is in the process of demolishing the White House for a $300 million ballroom, and purchased two private jets for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem worth more than $200 million.

• Every dollar invested in SNAP generates up to $1.80 in economic activity, meaning each dollar in SNAP benefits returns nearly twice its value to the economy, boosting grocery sales, supporting jobs, and strengthening local communities.
  
  

SPEAKERS / PRESS AVAILABILITY:

Rally to start at 3:30, and media availability with:

• Furloughed and fired federal employees from USDA and other agencies (in personal capacity)

• Members of Congress (confirmations expected by end of Wednesday)

• Faith leaders

• Representatives from local food banks and community organizations

VISUALS

• Tables of donated food and essentials organized by federal workers

• Banners and signs to include “We Feed the People” and “Release the $6 Billion” and “Trump’s America=Starving Kids”

• Volunteers and Members of Congress stacking boxes 

• Press backdrop: USDA Headquarters entrance with public-service signage, hanging banner of Trump on USDA building

• Group photo op: Federal workers, local allies, and Members of Congress with food-bank partners 

Contacts:

anna.bakalis@federalunionists.net

Anna Bakalis (323-770-4477)

Helen Luryi (631-680-9281) 

The Federal Unionists Network (FUN) is a national movement of federal workers and allies working in coalition to defend public services and rebuild government for a more democratic, equitable, and just country.