'The problem is chronic' | Louisville food pantry says families are still recovering from SNAP cuts

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Staff at a Louisville food pantry said the community is still recovering from a loss of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.

The Neighborhood House in the Portland neighborhood served hundreds of free Thanksgiving meals on Tuesday during its 20th annual feast, but staff members said this year's event felt different as the community grapples with lingering effects from the "SNAP crisis" and recipients may face new work requirements that could permanently cut benefits for some families.

"The SNAP crisis was the crisis, but the problem is chronic," said Jennie Jean Davidson, executive director of the Neighborhood House. "This year has been really tough because even though SNAP benefits eventually came it was stressful to wait for them."

Jessie Whitish, director