NORTH ST PAUL, Minn. — Since the pandemic, Rachel Thompson has found ways to help her neighbors in North St. Paul.

It started in March 2020 with a "Little Free Food Shelf" stocked with non-perishable food, books and puzzles at the end of her driveway. Then, she started the North St. Paul Christmas Tree Project to gift families during the holidays.

Now, she's responding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit cuts amid the government shutdown. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy pet food.

"Nobody should have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their pets. So if I can help in a little way, I want to do that," Thompson said. "There's nothing more important than taking care of the people around you."

Last week, Thompson converted her Little Free Libr

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