WEST CONCORD, Minn. — As federal SNAP and WIC benefits stall due to the government shutdown , farmers across southern Minnesota are stepping up to help bridge the gap for families struggling to access food.

In West Concord, Gochnauer Farms announced this week that its self-service farm store is stocked with dry goods, meals and snacks available at no cost to anyone in need. “Our hearts hurt for the families feeling the strain,” co-owner Megan Gochnauer said in a message to the community. “We want to do our part to help.”

The store, open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offers a range of pantry items — from mac and cheese, ramen and canned vegetables to bottled water, milk cartons and pancake mix. Farm-to-table meals, including hotdishes, salads, soups and protein bowls are also kept stoc

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