MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Long lines at food pantries have gotten longer, and Memphis faith leaders believe if the government shutdown continues on, they will grow even longer.

“It continues to exacerbate an existing problem. Memphis is one of the most impoverished cities in the country,” Turner said.

150,000 people in Shelby County will lose their SNAP benefits in November if the government shutdown continues.

Pastor Jason Lawrence Turner is the pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, who runs their Manna Outreach, a nonprofit that gives food to families all across the MIDSOUTH.

Turner said the list of households has grown from 800 to 1400 since February.

“And those benefits being cut and not available by the end of this week, we are going to see a lot more children and families str

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