BAY VIEW — As SNAP benefits nationwide pause, parishioners at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bay View are turning their faith into action.

As people filled the pews, they also filled boxes with oatmeal, rice, and peanut butter — donations for neighbors struggling due to SNAP benefit delays during the federal government shutdown.

“With SNAP being held back for a while, I thought we could do a little bit of something. Every little bit helps, “ said longtime parishioner Jo Ann Mueller.

For Mueller and fellow member Gina Firle, helping others has always been part of their faith. But this time, the need feels closer to home.

“You feel sad for people,” Firle said. “It’s not easy with family. I’m a widow, but if you have children, that’s different.”

The church created an emergency

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