YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) - Nearly four weeks into the government shutdown, food banks in the area are gearing up to serve even more people.

Rebecca Page, executive director of the Mercer County Food Bank, said that they will be ramping up their efforts.

"Orders next week are already showing larger than normal. Just preparing for what's to come," she said.

That's the plan for Food banks across the country as the federal government shutdown continues. If it lasts through November 1, SNAP benefits will be paused, forcing some to rely solely on food banks.

"Hopefully, we will be able to meet the need. We're not sure how high that's going to go. We're seeing increases already from some of our pantries. They are eyes on the ground, and they can tell us what they're seeing as people are coming

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