TUKWILA, Wash. — For six days, thousands of families across Washington have gone without their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits amid the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

On Thursday, that gap sent a surge of people to a Tukwila nonprofit for help.

The Tukwila Village Market, operated by Oceania Northwest, offers fresh produce, roots, grains, clothing, hygiene products, diapers, and health resources all free of charge.

One of those seeking help was Elisapeta Vaiti Tafa, a Samoan mother of three who recently lost her job.

“It’s not easy right now,” Vaiti Tafa told KING 5. “They laid me off from my job last Tuesday. We really need food for my kids, so that’s why I came here.”

She believes God answered her prayers through the support she found at the m

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