EDMONDS, Wash. — The government shutdown is over, but worries over federal food benefits continue for thousands across Washington, from seniors to victims of human trafficking. Expanding work requirements are bringing surprise cuts to about 150,000 people across the state.

This is always the busy season for volunteers at the Edmonds Food Bank, but this year they are bracing for a surge in need not seen since the pandemic.

As a food bank volunteer, Stacey Anasazi is committed to focusing on the needs of others. but these days she can't help but worry about herself.

"My first reaction was how am I gonna eat?" she said.

Stacey is one of 149,000 people in Washington who are losing SNAP benefits. Those benefits have fed Anasazi since she's been unable to work because of the lasting effects

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