PEORIA ( 25News Now ) -Six weeks into the federal government shutdown and confusion about the pause on SNAP benefits bring long lines to food pantries.

First United Methodist Church in Peoria had over 300 families for its Loaves and Fish food pantry Saturday. Families received frozen meats, vegetables, produce, bread, milk and other staple items.

The church is keeping up with its high volume of families through support from the community and taking the time to ensure everyone leaves with sufficient amount of groceries.

“Over the past couple months, we have had new guests, and the news has affected it in a positive way because we now have more volunteers and more donations,” said Chanel Withers, the church’s director of Missions and Community Ministries.

The church’s food drive is o

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