SEATTLE — When federal SNAP benefits expired this weekend due to the government shutdown, more than 50,000 Seattle residents suddenly found themselves without essential food assistance. In response, a group of Washingtonians quickly organized a grassroots effort at the Ballard Farmers Market to help keep food on the table for families in need.

“The food banks are going to get hit hard,” said Doug Farr, the executive director of the Seattle Farmers Market Association. “Tomorrow, it’s the first open day without having a SNAP program. And so we wanted to do our part in the neighborhood.”

That neighborhood effort took shape almost overnight. At the Ballard Farmers Market, volunteers and farmers joined forces to create a “take-what-you-need” food pantry. Farmers, who normally sell their produ

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