CINCINNATI —

As the federal government shutdown continues and SNAP recipients brace for reduced or halted benefits, one Cincinnati food pantry is feeling the strain in a big way and sounding the alarm for more help.

St. Leo’s Food Pantry in North Fairmount typically serves about 1,600 people a month. Staff say, in recent days, that number has roughly doubled, with families lining up for groceries as they struggle to make ends meet during the uncertainty over federal food assistance. Advertisement

For longtime volunteer coordinator Lea Brinker, the work has become her second calling.

“I retired from Western Hills High School after teaching there for 25 years, and I believe in not sitting around on my butt and do nothing,” Brinker said.

After decades in the classroom, Brinker found a n

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