COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — As the government shutdown continues and SNAP benefits have come to an end, local food banks are seeing ever-increasing volume.

At Harvest Hope on Shop Road and other food banks, South Carolina’s State Guard members are helping direct traffic and distribute food to families in need.

“They’re doing a great job helping just mitigate the traffic flow and issues in our parking lot, because we have 200 to 250 families coming in here a day right now with the increase,” says CEO of Harvest Hope, Erinn Rowe.

As the government shutdown continues with no end in sight, guard members like Lt. Col. Keith Blandford say they’re happy to step in and help.

“Our whole role as the guard is to be a service to our community. So it’s important for them to know that we’re here. We’re av

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