METHUEN, Mass. —

Within days, government funding for food assistance will run out, and local Massachusetts officials are trying to prepare supports that can help keep large numbers of families fed while the government shutdown drags on.

In Methuen, for example, 10,333 residents rely on help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. That's approximately 19% of the city's population.

Officials in Methuen are poised to begin a citywide food drive on Monday to collect donations for affected families. They plan to begin distributions to any residents who qualify for SNAP, WIC, heating and fuel assistance or veterans' assistance from the Methuen Senior Center starting on Nov. 1.

"The federal government shutdown may be a partisan political issue, but its effect on the ground here in

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