LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – As the federal government shutdown continues, Lexington’s homeless shelters and soup kitchens are preparing for a difficult stretch ahead, with SNAP benefits set to expire this Saturday.

Local organizations say the loss of those benefits will hit vulnerable families and individuals especially hard — forcing many to rely more heavily on community services.

Jennie Zamora, Executive Director of the New Life Day Center, says about 90% of the clients they serve are chronically homeless and receive SNAP benefits. With those benefits paused, she says her organization is already bracing for a sharp increase in demand.

“What we are doing to brace for it is to try to cover some of the gap,” Zamora said. “We are providing lunches all week next week and we will co

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