GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Gaston County, in partnership with Gaston Cares, is asking the community to come together to support residents who may be impacted by the possible disruption in SNAP benefits amid the ongoing government shutdown.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ordered a pause on all November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. NC Attorney General Jeff Jackson is suing the USDA, accusing the agency of illegally withholding more than $230 million in monthly food assistance for North Carolinians.

MORE | Resources for residents in Catawba and Rowan counties

More than 36,000 people in Gaston County, nearly 15 percent of the population, receive food assistance.

The county is a

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