(WSPA) -- The ongoing government shutdown is leaving hundreds of thousands without SNAP benefits in South Carolina, putting pressure on local food banks.

As the shutdown stretches into November, food banks like Harvest Hope, the largest in South Carolina, are bracing for increased demand and are asking the community for help.

"There are many people who rely on SNAP benefits who will need to find other food sources," said Erinn Rowe, CEO of Harvest Hope Foodbank.

Harvest Hope Food Bank has already been stressed by increased demand over the summer, leaving its shelves bare. The food bank is calling for the community to come together to support neighbors in need by hosting food drives.

Harvest Hope serves 20 counties in South Carolina and last year distributed 30 million pounds of food.

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