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People helping people in action; Members 1st steps up to fight hunger during federal shutdown

Enola, PA (October 30, 2025) |

With the ongoing federal government shutdown impacting funding for the  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), millions of families, including some  of the 615,000 members served by Members 1st Federal Credit Union, could face  disruptions in access to essential food benefits. To help alleviate this strain on local  communities, Members 1st is providing immediate support to food banks across its 11- county footprint. 

“According to the Urban Institute, approximately 1 in 3 adults living with children ages 0- 17 reported food insecurity in 2024,” said Sara Firestone, Vice President of Community  and Public Relations at Members 1st Federal Credit Union. “Those numbers will only  rise with a delay in SNAP funding, and that is simply not something we can ignore.” 

Members 1st is donating $2,500 to one local food bank in each county it serves, totaling  $27,500 in direct community support. These contributions are aimed at helping local  food banks so they can continue serving families in need during this uncertain period. 

“Supporting our members and communities is about more than just financial services. It  is our responsibility to help meet their needs in every way we can,” said Firestone.  “When SNAP benefits are delayed, children, families, seniors and veterans may not  know where their next meal will come from. By supporting these local food banks, we  are helping make sure everyone in our communities has their basic needs met.” 

This effort is a clear example of the credit union philosophy of people helping people,  with Members 1st stepping up to meet real needs in the communities it serves. 

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