Local food banks face shortages as government shutdown impacts SNAP benefits

SPOKANE, Wash. — Local food banks are bracing for empty shelves later this week as the ongoing government shutdown disrupts food assistance programs and increases demand from families in need.

already shows signs of strain, with supplies running low as the federal shutdown pauses Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Without resolution, SNAP recipients won't receive funding starting next week, forcing more people to turn to food banks for help.

"It's difficult to say, 'The food bank is closed today because we don't have any food. We're waiting for another shipment or we're waiting for donations,'" said Freda Gandy, executive director of the MLK Jr. Community Center.

The situation is a familiar but worsening challenge for local food banks.

"We have run out of food