No government shutdown. But military supporters in Sandwich expect increased food demand

After President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill for 45 days just minutes before midnight on Saturday to avert a government shutdown, Don Cox said he's thankful but still bracing for the possibility.

"I'm relieved. I'm very relieved and I don't trust them," said Cox, the president and CEO of Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, which originated on Cape Cod. "I think we're going to have problems in November."

The stopgap measure would keep the government funded at current levels through Nov. 17 and included Biden’s request for $16 billion in additional disaster relief funding, but omitted additional aid for Ukraine, according to reporting by USA Today.

Within 12 hours of a shutdown, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California, abruptly announced that he was going to put a short-term measure up for a vote to keep the government funded at current levels — a move he was hesitant to make in fear of further angering his right flank. Both the House and Senate soon overwhelmingly approved the measure on a bipartisan basis, avoiding a shutdown and buying lawmakers more time to hash out a yearlong funding deal.

The shutdown would have meant paychecks issued to troops would have stopped until a resolution was reached, said Chris Sherwood, a Pentagon spokesperson.

What is the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation?

The foundation, which provides programs, services, and goods to help improve the lives of veterans, active-duty military and their families in Massachusetts, has sprung into action during past federal government shutdowns, including the 2018-19 shutdown.

The organization runs its Sandwich Empowerment Center in the town's old police building at 117 Route 6A.

Cox said the organization will use the 45 days to prepare so they're not left scrambling if a government shutdown does ultimately occur.

"We'll get a bump from the current people we serve that will start stockpiling food just in case it happens, which is good because that will give them time to react and get ready for it," said Cox. "If and when it does happen, we won't have the initial impact because they'll have stuff they were able to put away for the next 45 days."

In anticipation of federal government services coming to a halt, they had trailers of food stockpiled, forecasting a 40% spike in consumption.

"We have a whole book, we have a binder to follow for the last two. Every time we do it, we get a little better," said Cox.

Since responding to past government shutdowns, the organization now has a truck with refrigeration and freezer to deliver food where needed.

Cox said donations are needed, especially gas cards, gift cards, and food. Information about how to donate is available on the foundation's website: https://mmsfi.org.

Zane Razzaq writes about housing and real estate. Reach her at zrazzaq@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Sandwich food depot for military expects stockpiling, spike in demand