AUSTIN, Texas — As the federal government shutdown stretches on, millions of families nationwide are facing uncertainty about food assistance benefits like SNAP. In Central Texas, one nonprofit organization is working to fill the gap.

An Austin-area organization called Backpack Friends sends home ready-to-eat meals and snacks so children don’t go hungry over the weekend. School counselors help identify the students who are most in need, and volunteers pack the food before the end of the school week.

Tom Cottar, the group’s CEO and co-founder, said his inbox has been flooded with requests asking for help.

“Since the government shut down, we're seeing a huge increase in need,” Cottar said. “My inbox is getting slammed with families who are really struggling.”

Cottar said supply chain iss

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