LANSING — Northern Michigan food pantries saw a rush of demand this weekend as SNAP benefits were delayed for millions of Americans.

Aid groups say that they’re also seeing increased help from surrounding communities — but they warn that continued delays in benefits will lead to increased hunger around the region.

“The next few weeks are going to be probably busier than we’ve ever seen,” said Rachael Cougler, coordinator for the Northwest Michigan Food Coalition . “Probably, I guess, since Covid time.”

Mary Stanton, director of Leelanau Christian Neighbors , says that the group had 10 cars waiting for their food pantry more than three hours ahead of opening.

“The people that we serve pretty much live on the edge, and it doesn’t take very strong wind to blow them off the edge,” she

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