BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - SNAP benefits for millions of Americans were set to pause Saturday, Nov. 1 , but a pair of federal judges stepped in to keep the program running.

Even so, it could still be some time before families actually receive the funds — and that means more people are turning to local food banks for help.

At the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, staff and volunteers say they’re working around the clock to meet the growing demand.

CEO Nicole Williams says the food bank provided 21 million meals last year across its 12-county service area, but the recent government shutdown has already created a spike in need.

“If there were a disaster, the food bank would be there feeding,” Williams said. “During the pandemic, we were there to feed. We are in full disaster

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