COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - As lawmakers returned to the House of Representatives Wednesday to consider a measure to reopen the federal government, food banks in the Midlands are racing to meet growing need while millions remain without federal nutrition benefits.

The funding bill expected to be debated would keep the government funded through Jan. 30 and, if passed, move to the president’s desk for signature. The partial federal shutdown entered its 43rd day tonight — the longest in U.S. history — and its effects are being felt across communities, including here at Harvest Hope Food Bank.

“At a time when families are already stretched thin, we cannot step into SNAP and facilitate feeding 556,000 South Carolinians every single month,” Harvest Hope CEO Erin Rowe said. “This is not sustainable.

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