BREWER - Food pantries are already having a tough time keeping their shelves stocked with food .

That's expected to become even more difficult in the next couple of weeks as the demand goes up even more.

The Department of Health and Human Services announced earlier this month that SNAP nutrition benefits will not be issued for November until the federal government shutdown ends or they receive further instructions.

Nearly 170 thousand Maine people rely on the benefits to put food on their table.

Today the Brewer Federal Credit Union gave one thousand dollars to the Brewer Food Pantry to help them meet the increased need.

"We think it's really important to support the local food cupboard, particularly as we come to this time of year. Winters are tough for everybody. Things get str

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