MACOMB (WGEM) - As the federal government shutdown continues, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits remain unfunded, local food pantries are feeling the effects.

Western Illinois Regional Council’s grocery-styled food pantry, the Good Food Pantry, has seen record usage in the last week alone.

WIRC officials reported that on Thursday, Oct. 30, the pantry set an all-time single day record for households assisted with 84.

“That was absolutely maddening,” said Good Food Pantry Manager Kelly Shiraki. “It was very difficult. The families are very scared.”

Shiraki became the manager of the pantry last October.

At that time, she said they were seeing between 35 and 40 families each of the two days the pantry had its doors open per week. Now, its over 100 families per w

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