Communities are stepping up as the clock is ticking on critical food support for nearly 500,000 Minnesotans.

Funding for food assistance like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, runs out on Nov. 1.

"People have gotten more and more nervous," said Jason Viana, executive director of The Open Door food pantry in Eagan, Minnesota.

In an average week, Viana said they see between 30 to 40 people come to The Open Door for the first time. In the past few weeks, he said the food pantry has seen double to triple that.

After getting the word out about the need over the weekend via an email blast, the community has stepped up. The 24-hour food drop-off room at the food pantry has since been filled four times within two days, according to Viana.

"For th

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