HOUSTON – As the longest government shutdown in U.S. history nears its end, the devastating impact continues to ripple through American families – from empty kitchen cabinets to holiday travel nightmares.

For Leondera Levy, a disabled single mother of two who also cares for her own mother while battling degenerative bone disease, the Senate’s vote to reopen the government offers little immediate comfort. Her family’s monthly SNAP food benefits have gone from $768.00 to just $56.00 so far this month, leaving her struggling to feed her children.

“No Christmas presents for the kids,” Levy said, her voice heavy with emotion. “I would have started buying already, and I don’t see that happening.”

Families Face Hunger as Benefits Lag

The shutdown’s resolution brings little immediate relief f

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