GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Thousands of families across the Upstate are turning to food pantries as SNAP benefits remain unfunded.

SNAP benefits did not go out November 1, as funding sits in limbo during the federal government shutdown. Rachele Hart, director of Appalachian Ministries of the Carolinas, said her pantry has seen an uptick in families seeking help this week.

“It breaks my heart for people you know because everyone needs food,” Hart said. “I would hate to think that I had a child that had to go to bed tonight with nothing to eat.”

Empty shelves at the pantry show the increased demand for assistance.

“That means that there will be people that will be hungry because we’re giving out what we have,” Hart said when asked about the bare shelves.

On Friday, two federal ju

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