AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Thirty days into the government shutdown, local food pantries are seeing an unprecedented surge in demand as SNAP benefits face potential disruption and federal workers go without pay.

Saturday, November 1, marks a critical turning point when SNAP benefits will not be distributed to tens of millions of families who rely on the program for food assistance. Federal workers remain either furloughed or working without pay during the ongoing shutdown.

Gap Ministries has processed nearly 300 people seeking food assistance in recent weeks, a significant increase from their typical numbers. Many are first-time visitors to the food pantry.

“I don’t think anything can prepare you for the number of people that we have seen today,” said Nomi Stanton, executive director of

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