With the federal shutdown interrupting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, about 48,000 people in the Reno-Sparks area are expected to miss food payments starting Nov. 1, according to the Food Bank of Northern Nevada.

The federal government has been shut down since Oct. 1, after Congress failed to pass new funding legislation, an impasse driven in part by partisan disputes over health care subsidies and overall spending levels.

Local nonprofits are preparing to meet the increased demand by expanding meal programs and food distribution efforts throughout the region. Here’s what the Food Bank, Catholic Charities and other partners are doing — and how residents can access free food assistance in the Reno-Sparks area.

What the Food Bank of Northern Nevada offers

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