TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The nation has now reached one month under the federal government shutdown, and the stalemate on Capitol Hill has halted benefits for millions of Americans under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The pause in SNAP benefits is impacting thousands of families across the Tampa Bay area, where food assistance needs have skyrocketed, according to Metropolitan Ministries.

The nonprofit says demand for meals and groceries has doubled since the shutdown began. With benefits now expired, leaders warn the need will only continue to rise.

“The fear, that we’re hearing from the wider community, they’re turning to us for help,” said Metropolitan Ministries President and CEO Dr. Sarah Combs.

Combs said the organization is expanding its hot meal program, stocking up pa

See Full Page