SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Starting November 1st, SNAP benefits will not be issued due to the ongoing government shutdown, impacting many who rely on these services.

The Springfield Rescue Mission is preparing for an increased demand for food assistance as the government shutdown continues to affect services.

"We saw an influx starting in January and then in the summer months, we were up almost 63% in our public breakfast and public lunch attendance, so with these SNAP benefits going away, we're expecting to have a lot more," said Kevin Ramsdell, Executive Director of the Springfield Rescue Mission.

More than one million people in the Bay State face food insecurity and will feel an impact from the cut of SNAP benefits. The Springfield Rescue Mission plans to expand its Operation Sunshi

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