ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. — As the federal government shutdown continues, food shelves across Minnesota are growing increasingly anxious about the ripple effects it could have on crucial nutrition programs that serve low-income families, seniors, and young children.

At the Anoka County Brotherhood Council (ACBC) food shelf, families shop for groceries much like they would in a traditional store — choosing the items they need to get by. The nonprofit has been providing food assistance to Anoka County and surrounding areas for more than 50 years.

“We are seeing right now over 2,000 families a month,” said executive director Stephanie Lehman.

That’s a 25% increase compared to last year. Lehman says the rising demand is being driven by higher costs of living and growing financial strain on wor

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