PASCO, Wash. – As families across the Tri-Cities face a pause in federal SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown, one local pizza shop has stepped up to lend a hand.

Enjell Vrapi, owner of Best Pizza Ever, has personal experience with relying on SNAP benefits.

“My first thought was that I need to do something about it because it just kind of hit home for me. I needed them all last year and I used them and I was grateful,” said Vrapi.

Vrapi opened Best Pizza Ever in downtown Pasco just four months ago while living at the Union Gospel Mission. His Facebook post announcing the “SNAP Slice” — a free slice of pizza for anyone struggling — quickly gained attention.

“My intention was not to, have the community involved on it, but the community’s been so good. So they suggested I

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