SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - As the federal government shutdown stretches on, some Sioux Falls families who rely on SNAP benefits are turning to local food pantries and small businesses for support and finding compassion in their community.

At the Faith Temple Food Giveaway, Assistant Director of Operations Josh Hayes said attendance jumped almost immediately when the shutdown began impacting food assistance programs.

“When folks realized that the government shutdown was going to affect SNAP unless something drastic happened quickly, we saw an immediate increase in folks,” Hayes said. “At the halfway point of our giveaway, we were seeing 200 more people than the previous week, than we were at the same time.”

That surge has created new challenges for the team and its volunteers.

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