EVERETT — Around 40 people created a winding line near the picnic tables at the IGA just before 3 p.m. Monday in Granite Falls. At the front, volunteers handed out hot meals, pet food and winter coats.

Within 15 minutes, the line was cleared, the last meal was distributed and the tables were empty.

When the government shut down on Oct. 1, Penelope Protheroe, president of the nonprofit Angel Resource Connection, knew many people in the community would be facing food insecurity.

“Right away, we said hungry people, hungry pets,” Protheroe said.

Angel Resource Connection is a nonprofit that provides support to individuals and their pets who are struggling with homelessness. The past two weeks, the nonprofit’s goals have included bridging the gap for people impacted by the shutdown and del

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