LAS VEGAS (KLAS) -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments, also known as SNAP benefits, stopped Saturday as part of the ongoing government shutdown. Around 500,000 Nevadans rely on the program to feed their families.

Food banks like Three Square are ramping up operations to help feed those families.

Volunteers gathered at sites across the Las Vegas valley Saturday for the start of emergency food distributions planned during the lapse in SNAP benefits. Hundreds helped Three Square distribute food outside the Thomas and Mack Center at UNLV.

“Over this weekend, we've mobilized hundreds of volunteers, we'll need hundreds more, maybe thousands this week as long as the shutdown continues,” Beth Martino, president & CEO of Three Square, said. “It's been incredible to see our phone

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