SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The government shutdown has officially become the longest in our country’s history.
Around 12,000 federal workers in South Dakota are affected. And another 75,000 residents could be affected by the disruption of federal SNAP benefits. Organizations like the Faith Temple Church and its food giveaway are seeing an increase in need. Pastor Jeff Hayes says the uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown increases anxiety.
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“We talk to people all the time and we were talking to people this week and a lot of them are just scared because they are not going to get food stamps. They are wondering where their next food and meal is coming from,” said Pastor Hayes.
Food banks are facing increased demand due to a combination of the higher cost of food items and the ongoing federal government shutdown.People who have never sought assistance before are finding their way to food banks out of need. Nearly 75 thousand South Dakotans depend on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or snap to buy groceries. As for the 12 thousand federal workers in South Dakota, most are going without a paycheck. First Dakota Bank has offered no interest loans to workers trying to make it through…