WACO, Texas — As the ongoing government shutdown halts or delays SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, Family of Faith Worship Center in Waco is looking to step up to help those in need.

Last week, rumors that the federal government would cancel or postpone Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November led to a surge in people seeking help.

“When word got out that SNAP might be canceled or postponed for November, we saw a 90% increase here at our food pantry,” Family of Faith Worship Center Pastor Ruben Andrade Jr. said. “A lot of those individuals coming in are SNAP recipients.”

The pantry has served the Waco community for more than 20 years, but Andrade Jr. said this week’s demand feels different.

“We’ve been able to get to know people by first name, th

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