SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) - With the federal government shutdown now the longest in U.S. History, a shortage in food benefits has more families turning to food pantries. The Catholic Diocese of Springfield had announced a call-to-action for all western Mass parish pantries.

“I’m blessed I don’t need this option, but there are so many people are hungry and have to feed their families, and they’re scared,” Christine Farrell, the president of St. Vincent DePaul Society at St. Mary’s Parish in Westfield, highlighting what the need is like for the food pantry.

Our crew seeing nearly empty and completely bare shelves across the room, and the demand is significant, “we need cereal. It’s a biggie. Spaghetti sauce, we feel like spaghetti & meatballs is a good meal. Cans of soup, cans of beef st

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