VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- For nearly a century, the Visalia Emergency Aid Council has helped provide food and household items to community members in need.

Executive Director Mary Jennings has been working for the organization for 25 years.

It's one of the oldest non-profits in Tulare County.

"And our mission has always been the same, and that is to take care of the homes and the families living in Tulare County. We ensure that no house is food insecure, we can help with household items, clothing, good shoes and warm coats during the winter," says Jennings.

Daily, the non-profit serves between 80 to 100 families.

That number more than doubled last week.

Families did not receive their SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.

"So last week, imagine being a family of four raising

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