Goodwill of North Georgia is continuing to operate its SNAP Employment & Training programs despite the federal funding freeze tied to the government shutdown. The organization says the decision is necessary to keep thousands of Georgians from losing future access to food benefits and job-readiness support.
On October 29, the Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Family and Children Services directed Goodwill and other providers to stop SNAP E&T services because the state cannot be reimbursed during the shutdown. Goodwill, the largest SNAP E&T provider in Georgia, chose to continue anyway. It is relying on private donations, philanthropic support, and revenue from its retail stores to keep services running.
“When job training programs are disrupted, it’s not just funding that pauses, but people’s progress. Thousands of Georgians rely on programs like ours to fulfill work requirements, develop skills, and secure sustainable employment. Even as federal dollars are delayed, Goodwill of North Georgia is continuing to serve because access to job training isn’t optional — it’s essential,” said Jenny Taylor, Vice President of Career Services and Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill of North Georgia
New work rules raise the stakes
The need is even greater now because new federal work requirements began November 1. The rules broaden who must complete at least 80 hours of work, training, or education each month to remain eligible for SNAP. Veterans, unhoused adults, young adults exiting foster care, and adults ages 60–64 are now required to meet these standards, along with parents of teens ages 14–18.
Under federal policy, adults who do not meet work rules may receive only three months of SNAP benefits in a three-year period. Many depend on programs like Goodwill’s to meet those requirements. DHS says the rules still apply, even with benefits paused.
“DHS understands this may be confusing due to the current situation with SNAP during the federal government shutdown, but we continue to process SNAP applications and renewals, and SNAP eligibility requirements must continue to be met,” the agency states on its website.
Keeping participants active
Goodwill is continuing to track participant hours, provide training, and connect individuals to jobs so their activity counts once benefits return. The organization is also working with food-distribution partners to help households facing immediate gaps.
Two federal judges recently ordered the Trump administration to resume SNAP funding during the shutdown, including one ruling stating there is “no question” USDA contingency funds must be used. But it is still uncertain when — or if — those funds will be released.
Goodwill enrolled 323 participants in September, including 217 able-bodied adults without dependents — a group most at risk of losing benefits without continued engagement.
Paying the full cost — for now
Running the program costs Goodwill and its partners about $200,000 per month. Normally, the federal government reimburses half. During the shutdown, Goodwill is covering the full amount.
The organization warns that stopping now would harm families twice — cutting off job training and jeopardizing future food assistance.
“Our mission is to help people get to work,” the group said. “That mission does not pause because federal funding does.”
Goodwill has not said how long it can sustain the program on its own, but leaders say they are committed to keeping Georgians from falling behind while federal decisions play out. Meanwhile, the nonprofit is urging the community to support its efforts by donating or shopping at its stores. Every purchase, the group says, helps keep critical services available during the shutdown.
“We’re calling on the public and private sector alike to stand with Georgia’s working families and ensure that opportunities for advancement remain open to everyone,” said Taylor.
This article has been updated with comments from Goodwill of North Georgia’s VP of Career Services Jenny Tayler
