Anderson food pantries are reporting their shelves are low and people are seeking help in greater numbers due to the federal government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1.
The federal shutdown has also halted new funding for SNAP benefits for the 2026 fiscal year, heightening food bank strain nationwide.
If the shutdown continues, Nov. 1 will be the first date SNAP recipients will lose their benefits, leaving many low-income Americans without their usual monthly means to buy food…