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A government shutdown has suspended federal SNAP funds, causing a surge in demand at Iowa food pantries.

Polk County supervisors will vote on emergency funding to purchase more food for local pantries.

Food pantries across central Iowa are reporting record numbers of households seeking assistance.

Responding to reports that food pantries across Iowa saw record numbers after the government shutdown cut millions off from federal food assistance, Polk County supervisors are planning a special meeting to vote on $1 million in emergency funding to purchase more food.

The meeting is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5., at the county administration building at 111 Court Ave.

The Des Moines Area Religious Council, which runs 14 food pantries in the Des Moines metro, broke an

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