WAUKEE, Iowa —

What started as a simple idea on social media has grown into a neighborhood lifeline in Waukee. Alli and Brock Johnson turned their front porch into a food pantry to help families struggling without access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or SNAP.

The Johnsons opened the pantry at their home at 185 Pleasant View Drive after hearing about the suspension of benefits during the government shutdown. One Facebook post later, the family was overwhelmed by support from neighbors, friends and strangers. Donations piled up on the Johnsons’ front porch — so many at times that the family could not access their front door.

“The need is actually greater than we even imagined,” Alli said.

What began with one Facebook post quickly grew into a community-wide effort

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