DES MOINES, Iowa —

In Des Moines, restaurant owners gathered at Kitchen Spaces to feed hundreds of people in need as the government shutdown leaves workers without pay and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients without federal food assistance.

The effort brought together small businesses like GiGi's Chicken and Waffles, Leety Delights, Taste of Nawlinz, Cie Cie's Sweet Treats, and Lady Jerk Soul Food, all teaming up to feed families struggling to get by.

Organizers said there was a line down the street before they opened, which turned into a steady flow all day. They noted that many Iowans who showed up have jobs but need federal food assistance to help make ends meet.

As Iowans wait to have their benefits restored, organizers emphasized that community support is crucial.

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