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Wisconsin food banks prepare for high demand as shutdown continues

Posted at 11:35 AM, Jan 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-09 12:38:18-05

LITTLE CHUTE, Wis. (AP) — Food banks across Wisconsin are bracing for an increase in the number of people seeking help as the partial federal government shutdown stretches through its third week.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin President Patti Habeck tells The Post-Crescent that the organization is preparing extra food for pantries as thousands of federal employees in Wisconsin cope without pay. Wisconsin families who rely on benefits under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps, also are growing concerned as the partial government shutdown endures.

President Donald Trump's administration announced Tuesday that the program will be funded through February should the shutdown centered on Trump's request for $5.7 billion in border wall funding continue.

Habeck says they're scrambling to bring in more food because donations typically decline after the holidays.