John Block, a House Representative from New Mexico, has expressed concerns over food banks aligning with Democratic messaging regarding the government shutdown. This statement was made on the social media platform X.
"I used to be a huge supporter of food banks, but seeing them in recent weeks become shills for Democrats to attempt to hide that they shut down the government, is making me change that view," said JOHN BLOCK, New Mexico State Representative for 51st District (R). "What do you think? Do you still support food banks that appear in Democrat propaganda?"
During the 2025 U.S. government shutdown, food aid became a contentious issue. According to The Guardian, Senate Republicans blocked a Democratic initiative to restore full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, labeling it as a "political stunt." Democrats warned that this move would push millions towards food banks. Both parties encouraged donations as demand for hunger relief increased nationwide, framing the issue within competing narratives of responsibility.
Food insecurity saw a significant rise during the shutdown. Reuters reported that U.S. food banks served over 50 million people in 2023, an increase from 40 million in 2019. Many anticipated another surge as SNAP payments were delayed or reduced. Directors in major cities warned of doubled demand by late October 2025, reminiscent of levels seen during the 2020 pandemic.
Federal food aid partnerships experienced instability earlier in 2025. Reuters noted that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) paused or reduced over $1 billion in support for food banks and only resumed full SNAP funding following a court order on November 6. These interruptions strained The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) supply chains, forcing networks to depend more heavily on donations.
Block is a Republican member of the New Mexico House of Representatives for District 51 and has represented Otero County since January 2023. According to the New Mexico Legislature, he has been critical of state spending growth and opposed expanded welfare programs, focusing on fiscal restraint and limited government.
