BELLMEAD, Texas (KXXV) — Shepherd's Heart in Waco sees demand surge from 400 to 600 families weekly during the federal government shutdown, expanding services to meet the growing need.

We are entering the sixth week of the government shutdown, as it started on October 1, 2025

Shepherd's Heart has expanded to four distribution days to meet the growing need during this shutdown

For more information on Shepherd's Heart, click here.

Shepherd's Heart food pantry in Waco is experiencing unprecedented demand in its 16th year of operation as the federal government shutdown continues into its sixth week.

The nonprofit has seen a dramatic surge in families seeking assistance, jumping from serving about 400 families to nearly 600 families in recent distributions. Robert Gager, CEO of Shepherd's

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