BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - As the U.S. federal government shutdown extends into its 37th day, Texans relying on federal assistance programs are facing severe consequences, with food insecurity on the rise in the Brazos Valley.

One in five Texans experiences food insecurity, a problem exacerbated by the halt in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds, according to the Brazos Valley Food Bank .

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in College Station transported 35,000 pounds of food to the Brazos Valley Food Bank from its facility in Utah. (kbtx)

Ebony Knight with the food bank said there is a “huge increase need of pantry visitors, specifically those related to some SNAP benefits that weren’t issued this month.”

Local organizations are stepping up to help, and a

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