Congresswoman Julie Johnson Volunteers at Local Food Pantry Amid a Government Shutdown

PLANO, TX — While the federal government remains shut down, Congresswoman Julie Johnson and her district team volunteered today at Minnie’s Food Pantry in Plano, helping sort donations and pack food boxes.

“North Texans want to work and get paid. Until Congress reopens the government and people see their paychecks again, places like Minnie’s are carrying the load, making sure families get critical support during this difficult time,” said Congresswoman Julie Johnson. “Our team showed up to lend a hand because the need is real. Every box packed today is a family with one less impossible choice to make this week.”

During the visit, Johnson spoke with pantry leaders about the increased demand since the shutdown began and how sustained disruptions—missed pay, delayed reimbursements, and tighter household budgets—are pushing more families to seek help. Johnson reiterated her push for Trump and Republicans in Washington to end the shutdown and restore stability for workers, veterans, small businesses, and nonprofits that keep communities running.

“Hunger isn’t a new problem and it isn’t one that discriminates based on political party — it’s one our community has been battling for years,” said owner Dr. Cheryl “Action” Jackson. “The government furlough and halt in SNAP benefits have amplified it to levels we haven’t seen in a long time.” Jackson continued, “Families who were already on the edge are now facing impossible choices: between paying rent, keeping the lights on, or putting food on the table. The lines at Minnie’s Food Pantry are growing every day. The need for food is urgent, and we are seeing firsthand how deeply this crisis is impacting families in our community. Minnie’s Food Pantry remains committed to feeding every person we can, but we can’t do it alone — we need the community’s help now more than ever”, Jackson finished.

“Minnie’s Food Pantry does heroic work every day,” Johnson added. “The fastest way to help them—and the families they serve—is to end this shutdown now.”

About Minnie’s Food Pantry: Minnie’s Food Pantry is a Plano-based nonprofit that provides healthy meals and wraparound support to North Texas families. For more information, please contact the organization directly.

Congresswoman Julie Johnson represents Texas’ 32nd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, serving on the Homeland Security Committee, Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Administration Committee. Her district includes parts of Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties.

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