ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Food pantries across the metro-Atlanta area are seeing unprecedented demand in the wake of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history and continued uncertainty surrounding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said SNAP recipients may need to reapply for their benefits, a statement that left food assistance groups worried about vulnerable residents.

Rollins says its latest push is aimed at reducing fraud within SNAP. Atlanta News First checked in with Georgia’s Department of Human Services, and a representative said, “at the time of this report, the United States Department of Agriculture has not issued any formal guidance on this.”

The timing has intensified pressure on food

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