FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - A Fort Wayne food bank is preparing for increased demand as SNAP benefits are set to pause starting Saturday.

Wellspring Interfaith Social Services on Broadway has seen a dramatic surge in families seeking assistance.

In a normal week, the food bank typically serves about 45 families.

In recent days, they have served around 120 families — nearly triple their usual numbers.

CEO Ermina Mustedanagic said the increase is directly tied to the upcoming pause in SNAP benefits.

“Yeah, they’re scared. They don’t know what’s going to happen,” Mustedanagic said.

The organization is asking the community for help meeting the growing need through both food and time donations.

“As soon as families have learned about their SNAP benefits being cut, they have started turning

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