As the government shut down enters its third week, all eyes are turning to SNAP benefits, as the critical funding is set to expire after Oct. 31, unless a deal is made in Washington.
According to regional food bank leaders, this government shutdown is just the latest event to show the increasing need for food assistance stability in our nation, and it could lead to a food crisis.
In Southwest Virginia, according to leaders with Feeding Southwest Virginia, 175,661 people are recipients of SNAP benefits. In Northeast Tennessee, 52,696 people receive SNAP benefits, according to leaders of Second Harvest Food Bank…