SPOKANE, Wash. – The recent end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history has left many struggling to return to normalcy, with local food banks feeling the pressure.

The shutdown impacted SNAP benefits, causing a surge in demand for food banks.

In response to the unexpected shutdown, Eric Williams with Second Harvest Food Bank shared, "So a government shutdown, who anticipated that coming? You know, six months ago we certainly weren't expecting that. So we're always pedaling as fast as we can. Right now, the need is relatively high," said Williams.

Despite the end of the shutdown, the demand for food assistance remains high.

"We were hoping that when the government shutdown ended, that things would relax a little bit, and really, they haven't," said Williams.

Entering the hol

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