BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Volunteers across Louisiana are organizing food distribution efforts as uncertainty continues over federal funding for SNAP benefits during the ongoing government shutdown.

Almost 20 percent of people in Louisiana rely on SNAP benefits to feed themselves and their families. The state’s health department says it will send out benefits on Sunday, but confusion over federal funding has prompted community members to take action.

“Americans are worried about food and healthcare? I mean, this isn’t a third-world country,” said Ginger Ford, a retired nurse who is delivering free or discounted food to elderly people who cannot get it themselves.

Community response grows

Ford, 71, said this is the most concerned she has ever been about food insecurity in her community.

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