EAST SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR) -- Thousands of Central New Yorkers could be left without their food assistance benefits in November if the federal government shutdown continues. The St. Matthews food pantry in East Syracuse is already seeing a heavy demand to help people keep food on their tables.

"We've got four new people today," Barbara Hemmerlein, a volunteer for 35 years, said. "...and a lot of families that used to come are coming back because they are fearful of what's going to happen, so it's tough."

If Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are dropped or delayed next month, food pantries could see an increase in the number of families seeking help. Long-time volunteers are bracing themselves for the worst during the winter months.

"We're working as hard as we ca

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