CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As the government shutdown drags into its second month , thousands of North Carolina families who rely on SNAP benefits are facing an uncertain week ahead.

With more than 1.1 million residents statewide — including 138,500 in Mecklenburg County — depending on those benefits, food banks are scrambling to fill the gap.

At Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, staff are working around the clock to get food out the door.

“There is no food bank in America that can replace SNAP benefits,” Katy Carter, CEO of Second Harvest, said.

Carter says the organization has already sent six tractor-trailers filled with food boxes across the region, with more on the way.

“We have shipped out loads to all of our branches,” Carter said. “This coming week, we will ship additional loads a

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