VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — On Sunday mornings, the line starts early at Connect Church . People sign in, wait patiently, and leave with more than just food; they leave with hope.

For nine-year church member Minnie Wright, the church’s pantry is more important than ever.

With her daughter hospitalized and four grandchildren at home, making ends meet is a weekly challenge, especially as her Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits remain uncertain during the ongoing government shutdown.

“When I called on the first of the month, I normally get them. I haven’t tried since then, so I don’t know,” Wright said. “This food, these diapers, it’s all a blessing.”

Wright said she usually relies on her SNAP benefits to supplement meals for her family. With those benefits in limbo,

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