CLEVELAND — The government shutdown is about more than just politics in Washington, as food banks in Northeast Ohio say they're bracing for a surge in families needing help.

"Back in 2019 when the government shut down for a while, we did see an uptick in need," said Karen Ponza, director of communications and events at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. "We have lots of federal employees and contractors here in Northeast Ohio."

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank has more than 1,000 partners in the region, and the shutdown comes at a crucial time as we heads toward the holiday season.

"Last year alone, we served 424,000 people. That was a record for the food bank," Ponza told 3News. "It's hard to anticipate, especially in these uncertain times, what could happen over the next several months

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