Communities step up as food pantries face surge in demand during government shutdown

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Food pantries in northern Utah continue to face increased demand amid the government shutdown.

The Cache Community Food Pantry sees a potential quadrupling of families needing aid.

Donations and volunteer efforts are surging, but are only temporary solutions, directors say.

LOGAN — As the federal government shutdown stretches on, food pantries across northern Utah are seeing a dramatic rise in families seeking help. At the same time, people and organizations are seemingly stepping up at a similar pace, with remarkable generosity.

At the Cache Community Food Pantry in Logan, director Matt Whitaker said the increase in need has been staggering.

"We normally see, at this time of the year , five to 10 applications a day," Whitaker said. "