CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Salvation Army in Northeast Ohio is preparing for a surge in demand as 1.4 million Ohioans lose their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits Saturday due to the government shutdown.

Tricia Brennan, a divisional commander for the Salvation Army in Northeast Ohio, said the organization has already seen a 30% increase in demand this year before the government shutdown began affecting food assistance programs.

“We’re heading into our holiday season, which typically is a busy time and a time that folks come to us a little more often,” Brennan said.

On Nov. 1, SNAP benefits will not be distributed due to the now month-long government shutdown.

The loss of SNAP benefits means more people will turn to food shelves like the one run by the Salvatio

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