FARGO — As the government shutdown continues, SNAP benefits for 42.6 million Americans, including nearly 500,000 North Dakotans and Minnesotans, are now paused. More than 171,000 of those recipients are children.

Local schools are stepping in to fill the gap.

Heidi Domier, president and founder of Central Cass Treehouse, said the school is ramping up efforts to support students during this difficult time. Of the school’s 1,100 students, about 25% use the school’s anonymous food pantry, a number that is quickly rising.

Jeff Drake, superintendent of Fergus Falls Public Schools, said that of their 2,300 students, more than 130 use the district’s backpack program, supported by United Way. He fears more students in the largely rural district will need assistance as the shutdown continues.

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