As the government shutdown moves into its second month, concerns are rising about the loss of food benefits that millions of Americans depend on.

In a time of rising prices and a sudden loss of federal help, Contra Costa County says it is declaring a local emergency to get help quickly to the thousands of residents who need it.

At the Richmond Food Center market, Mohamed Nasser says his customers are frightened by the sudden halt in SNAP benefits. And the rapid hike in food prices has already been affecting the way they spend what cash they may have, even before the government shutdown.

"People are buying less candy, less junk food, and less alcoholic beverages. Because when you know you're going to run out of food, your priorities kick in," said Nasser. "Everybody's panicking. It seems

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