Democrats and Republicans are closer than ever to reaching a deal to end the federal shutdown, which has interrupted SNAP benefits and delayed food assistance to millions of Americans. But the recipients and local safety net programs that have been affected by the interruption of SNAP could need more help long after the government reopens.

Radha Muthiah is the CEO of Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C. Since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, the nonprofit has been offering five additional food distributions a week for furloughed federal workers. CAFB says those distributions have been seeing between 1,500 and 2,000 families a week. The organization will provide 1 million more meals this month for those who haven't received their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, she

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