WPTV

FORT PIERCE, Fla. — As the federal government shutdown continues, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits officially ran out Saturday, leaving millions of Americans struggling to afford food.

Local nonprofits like Mustard Seed Ministries and Chasin A Dream Foundation say the loss of benefits is creating a wave of impact.

WATCH WPTV'S COVERAGE BELOW: Nonprofits brace for surge in need as federal shutdown halts SNAP benefits

Stephanie Kingsbury, executive director of Mustard Seed Ministries, said the organization is preparing for a potential surge in clients.

“That causes an even greater strain on the already strained resources that we have,” she said.

For Scher Louis, a mother and SNAP recipient, the impact of losing benefits is deeply personal. Louis said she

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