LORAIN, Ohio — As SNAP benefits remain frozen during the ongoing government shutdown, families across Northeast Ohio are turning to local food banks in record numbers.

Second Harvest Food Bank says demand has skyrocketed since SNAP payments stopped.

"We're just feeling that there's so much need," said Julie Chase-Morefield, CEO of Second Harvest.

For many families, SNAP is the main source of food each month, and losing it is overwhelming the network.

In this region alone, about 56,000 people are currently without benefits, creating a "huge strain on the food pantry network" Chase-Morefield said.

With shelves emptying quickly, the food bank has been forced to pull from its reserves.

"Our board authorized about a week and a half ago us to spend an additional almost 700,000 for us to

See Full Page