SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. — As the government shutdown drags on, rural communities are bracing for more difficult days ahead with everything from food banks to nutrition education programs are being impacted.

At the Skagit Valley Neighbors in Need Food Bank, Director Steve Fox is fed up with the government shutdown.

Lost your SNAP benefits? These resources can help

"Oh, it drives me nuts. There's no reason for this," Fox said.

Volunteers at the food bank are preparing for as many as 600 people at this week's food distribution, which includes 30,000 pounds of food. Numbers have been steadily growing in recent weeks.

"For us, it's just a matter of do we have enough food and how long will we have enough food?" Fox said. "That's what keeps me up at night."

Rural communities have a higher perc

See Full Page