BILOXI/OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) - Local food pantries are experiencing increased demand as the government shutdown compounds the typical holiday surge in people seeking assistance.

Barbara Ruddiman, manager of The Lord is my Help, said the number of people coming through the door has surged in recent weeks.

“With the government being shut down and food stamps being cut, it’s like we’re getting a double whammy right at the holidays,” Ruddiman said.

Supplies struggling to keep pace

While donations have remained steady, Ruddiman said food doesn’t stay on the shelves for long. She expects the trend to continue as the shutdown persists.

“As it goes along, I’m afraid this is going to continue, and we will need food like this almost week after week,” she said.

The pantry will accept most

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