NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — With the ongoing government shutdown affecting many Virginians, Democrat Rep. Bobby Scott and other local leaders, including Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones and Del. Shelly Simonds, spent their Monday morning at the THRIVE Peninsula food pantry in Newport News helping those in need get much-needed food.

One of the visitors was Sharon Jiles-Williams. It was her first time at the food pantry. She works as a substitute teacher and helps provide for her grandchildren.

"My husband got hurt on his job Aug. 4, and we've been in a crisis ever since," Jiles-Williams said. "Nothing that I'm not used to, but it's just harder now. It's really, really hard."

SNAP benefits stopped coming in for recipients like her amid the government shut down. Gov. Glenn Youngkin's office

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