NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — Monday marks the 27th day of the government shutdown.

While this is the second-longest government shut down in history, it's the first time Americans have faced losing their federal food benefits.

One in eight Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, referred to as SNAP, to pay for their groceries.

The Pace Community Food Center in New Bedford was busy Monday as a result of the uncertainty.

Jennifer Mederios, coordinator of the Pace Community Food Center, told 12 News the line has been out the door since the moment they opened.

"Within an hour of us opening, 15 people signed up," Mederios said. "That's just within an hour."

Pace Community Food Center Executive Director Pam Kuechler said they're anticipating a surge in people over th

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