BUFFALO, N.Y. — As the government shutdown continues and SNAP benefits remain disrupted, organizations across Western New York are preparing to serve more families and individuals who may be turning to food assistance for the first time.

FeedMore WNY public relations manager Catherine Shick says the holiday season is already one of the busiest periods of the year for food pantries, even before the current strain on benefits.

“This time of year going into the holiday season does tend to be typically a busier time of year for FeedMore Western New York and our partner food pantries and other hunger relief agencies,” Shick said. “Of course, with the ongoing shutdown and the disruption to SNAP, we are certainly seeing an increase of surge in need among our pantry partners, as well as our hung

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