More likely than not, someone in your community – whether friend, family or neighbor – uses SNAP benefits. As millions of people could lose access to food assistance programs during the government shutdown, many Americans are trying – in however small a way – to fill in the gaps for people at risk of being left behind.

In addition to meals served at school, the district is organizing a Food and Hygiene Drive to support families at home. Collection week runs Nov. 10–14, with donation boxes at every Berea City School District building. All items will be gathered and sorted at Berea-Midpark Middle School before being distributed to families later in the month.

The SNAP program has been a major piece of the U.S. social safety network since it launched as the food stamp program in 1964.

What happens when the nation’s largest anti-hunger program grinds to a stop? The answer is unfolding in real time, with the country’s most vulnerable households being hit first. Nearly 42 million people—representing about 1 in 8 Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to help put food on the table.

Tennessee will allocate $5 million to area food banks amid the government shutdown. It comes as President Trump reverses course on SNAP benefits during government shutdown, leaving families uncertain.

Several restaurants are offering discounted or free meals, and assistance is available through food banks and these community groups.

The head of Fredonia’s Fred Basket food pantry plans to lobby the Chautauqua County Legislature on Wednesday for a program to help alleviate any suspensions of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the federal government shutdown.

The late-night host said that the benefits freeze "creates uncertainty for American children, seniors, and families"