NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — As the government shutdown continues, families across Western New York are feeling the strain, uncertain about their next paycheck or how to keep food on the table. But in North Tonawanda, one church is turning faith into action.

Lumber City Church organized a community food giveaway to help families navigate the uncertainty while SNAP benefits remain suspended. Pastor Chad Rieselman said he felt called to act when the shutdown began affecting local residents.

"God gave me a vision to make this room ready to go for folks who are suffering from food insecurity and a little bit of anxiety about that, not knowing how that would pan out," Rieselman said. "The next day we got a call from City Hall and some supermarkets asking us if we were ready. We were ready."

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