SHREVEPORT, La. — In the wake of the federal government shutdown, Shreveport’s Christian Services -- a nonprofit soup kitchen and shelter -- is reporting record demand.

Organizers say volume is far above normal and families are showing up with children at midday -- even during school hours.

“Before the government shutdown, we were doing an average of 1,400 to 1,500 meals a week, over 9,000 a month. Last month I just closed out we had 16,000–17,000 meals a month,” said Al Moore, a Christian Services representative told the City Council, adding the nonprofit serves two hot meals a day, 364 days a year.

"It's $4.12 a meal, $30 a month will feed one person a meal for 7 days, $130 will feed one person a meal for 30 days," added Moore.

Moore also underscored the stakes: “You ca

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