BECKLEY — West Virginia food pantries are bracing for an unprecedented wave of need as the federal SNAP program remains frozen during the ongoing government shutdown.

Thousands of residents, including veterans, families and children, depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program each month. Due to benefits being paused statewide, emergency food providers are racing to bridge the gap. While some food banks report being nearly out of supplies, others say they are still stocked for now. Local Department of Health and Human Resources offices confirmed an influx of worried callers which could signal the beginning of what could become a long-term crisis.

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