GREENSBORO, N.C. — After surviving domestic abuse, Rosemary Tomlin was left disabled. She says she only comes to Greensboro Urban Ministry when she has no other choice — most days, she depends on her SNAP benefits to buy groceries.

Now, with the government shutdown threatening to cut off those benefits, Tomlin returned to the pantry, hoping it can fill the gap.

“It helps us eat, you know, if you don't have enough food at home to eat, you come here, they make sure you have something to put in your stomach,” Tomlin said.

She’s one of more than 1.4 million people in North Carolina receiving federal food assistance. Like many, she’s worried about what happens next.

“They need to help us out and come on with this decision, please — not just for me,” Tomlin said. “I’ll give up food to give

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