OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Westside Community Schools is launching a weekend meal distribution program to help families affected by the pause in SNAP benefits that began Wednesday.

The district identified 500 families who suddenly need help putting food on the table after the benefits were suspended. The program will provide Saturday and Sunday meals for families, bridging the gap until students return to school for breakfast and lunch.

“What we are doing as a district is building up a new distribution center for them. So we are going to have Friday meals ready for families to come pick up and they’ll be able to take them through the weekend,” said Elizabeth Power with Westside Community Schools.

The SNAP benefit pause affects more than 58,000 people in the Douglas County area, according to D

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