COLUMBUS, Ohio — Food banks across the country — including in Ohio — are preparing for a surge in demand as the federal government shutdown continues, leaving thousands of employees facing missed paychecks.

The Dublin Food Pantry is already seeing an uptick in calls from families seeking support. With tighter budgets, many are being forced to make difficult decisions about how to prioritize their spending.

A few baskets of potatoes and onions are all that remains of the fresh produce at the pantry after state-level cuts prompted the Mid-Ohio Food Collective to pause its support to local pantries.

The pantry provides produce, nonperishables and personal care items.

“It’s hard to see people struggling,” said Julie Erwin-Rinaldi, executive director of the Dublin Food Pantry. “It feels g

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