Food pantries are scrambling to help people who will lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits starting Nov. 1 because of the federal government shutdown.

"My concern is being able to keep with the demand," said Tonya Dean, executive director and founder of Harvesting Hope in Your Community in Sebring. "We have already seen the impact on the community blessing boxes, which are being utilized more than ever before."

Lake Township F.I.S.H. in Hartville also said in an email to the community that it expects an increase in demand and a greater strain on the organization.

"For now, we are not worried," the nonprofit said. "Our leadership is not worried. If you have a need or know someone else that does, send them our way! We will either get them plugged in here or ar

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