HANCOCK – The 43-day government shutdown proompted a pause in funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, SNAP provides important nutritional support for low-income working families, low-income older adults (60 years and older) and people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and households with low incomes.

On Nov. 14, Newsweek reported the suspension of payments left millions of low-income Americans uncertain and forced food banks nationwide to shoulder added demand. Just as the temporary SNAP suspension strained the finances of many local families, many cuts in social programs have put food pantries and food banks in similar situations.

“We’ve had to spend more on food,” Salvation

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