Atlanta, GA, October 23, 2025
News Summary
The federal government shutdown is causing significant challenges for small businesses and food banks in Atlanta. Owners are witnessing drastic declines in revenue as federal employees are unable to support local establishments. The Atlanta Community Food Bank is bracing for increased demand, warning that many Georgians may face delays in food assistance. With the shutdown lasting 22 days, the economic impact is being felt across the community, raising concerns about food security and business sustainability.
Atlanta – Georgia Small Businesses and Food Banks Face Tremendous Strain from Ongoing Federal Government Shutdown
Small business owners in downtown Atlanta are struggling with major declines in revenue due to the federal government shutdown, which has adversely affected the capacity of federal employees to support local businesses. The shutdown has now reached 22 days, ranking as the second-longest in U.S. history.
Jasmine Jamil, owner of Subs and Salads Junction, reported that her daily customer count has dropped from an average of 50-60 to around 15. Over 80% of her customers are typically federal workers, and this sharp decline is drastically impacting her shop’s daily income. Although construction workers have provided some relief by patronizing her shop, she is increasingly concerned about the future should the shutdown continue.
Similarly, Tyde Tate Kitchen, managed by Jeff Rotkaen, is experiencing a considerable slowdown in lunch traffic, which is predominantly made up of federal employees. The restaurant owners expressed their worries about the prolonged shutdown, emphasizing that without government employees returning to their jobs, their businesses may struggle to survive.
Impact on Food Security
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is preparing for a significant increase in demand due to the ongoing shutdown. It warns that if the shutdown continues for another two weeks, nearly 1.5 million Georgians may face delays in receiving benefits. Food assistance programs are becoming increasingly vital as the food bank has already begun ordering more food in anticipation of this heightened demand.
The USDA has informed states that without appropriations, there will be insufficient funds to disburse full November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. SNAP beneficiaries in Georgia typically receive around $250 million each month to purchase essential food items, and it’s important to note that 80% of these recipients include children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities in their households.
Effect on Small Businesses
In Georgia, approximately 5,000 small businesses have contracts with the federal government, and many are feeling the strain from the shutdown. Kelly Loeffler, U.S. Small Business Administrator, highlighted how the shutdown has led to reduced growth, decreased hiring, and the cessation of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans.
A recent survey by Goldman Sachs indicates that 72% of small business owners consider the operation of the government crucial for their survival. Moreover, economists have predicted that the ongoing shutdown could potentially cost the U.S. economy between $7 billion and $15 billion each week.
Concerns have also emerged regarding health care access for small business employees who rely on the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits for insured coverage. Local lawmakers are advocating for resources to assist federal workers impacted by the shutdown and have called attention to the need for food assistance programs.
Current Situation at the Atlanta Community Food Bank
The Atlanta Community Food Bank regularly serves around 820,000 individuals across 29 counties in Georgia. It is vital that the organization addresses the increased demand from new clients. Currently, November SNAP benefits are not expected to be distributed until the government reopens, while Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefits may only be partially issued before mid-November.
Summary
The intersection of small businesses and food banks in Georgia is under significant strain as the federal government shutdown continues. Restaurant owners are seeing drastic drops in revenue, while food banks are bracing for an increase in demand from families who may face food security issues if the shutdown persists.
FAQ Section
What is the current status of the federal government shutdown in Georgia?
The ongoing government shutdown has reached 22 days.
How has the shutdown affected small businesses in downtown Atlanta?
Small business owners report significant declines in revenue due to the shutdown, particularly from a loss of federal employee customers.
What precautions is the Atlanta Community Food Bank taking during the shutdown?
The food bank has begun ordering more food in preparation for an anticipated increase in need due to the shutdown.
How many Georgians rely on SNAP benefits?
Nearly 1.5 million Georgians may face delays in benefits if the shutdown continues.
What percentage of SNAP recipients in Georgia includes vulnerable groups?
80% of Georgia SNAP recipients include children, seniors, or individuals with disabilities in their households.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Georgia SNAP Benefits and Government Shutdown
- Wikipedia: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Government Shutdown Straining Small Businesses
- Google Search: Government shutdown impact
- Patch: SNAP Benefits Halted in Georgia Due to Shutdown
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Government Shutdown
- 11 Alive: Food Banks in Metro Atlanta Struggling
- Google Scholar: Food banks impact shutdown
- WSB TV: Georgia Tech Limits Spending During Shutdown
- Google News: Georgia shutdown businesses
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
