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A federal government shutdown is causing a pause in SNAP benefits for over 350,000 Mississippi residents starting November 1.

Local food pantries, like Stewpot Community Services in Jackson, are extending hours and stocking up to meet increased demand.

Stewpot received a $100,000 donation from Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System to support its services.

About 13% of Mississippi's population receives food assistance through SNAP, slightly above the national average.

As November — when the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving — approaches, families across Mississippi are facing potential food insecurity as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are set to pause Nov. 1. In Jackson, one local pantry is working to ease the burden for those in need.

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