COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the government shutdown continues, families across the country are facing the possibility of delayed SNAP benefits in November.

That uncertainty is driving many to seek help elsewhere — and in central Ohio, food pantries are becoming essential safety nets .

At the Linden Fresh Market in South Linden, staff said they’re seeing a growing number of families seeking support. The pantry is open five days a week and serves more than 200 families every day.

“A lot of it has to do with fear, not so much the need right now, but the fear that they are going to need,” said Kathleen Oliver, market manager. “So everyone is trying to stock up, trying to get as much as they can.”

The market is a key source of fresh produce for the neighborhood.

“We don’t have any grocery stor

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