Longest Gov’t Shutdown in US History: Indiana Muslims Increase Food Pantry Distribution

IQNA – A special food pantry distribution was hosted in Indianapolis on Saturday by the Indiana Muslim Community Association.

Normally, the pantry operates once a month, but with the recent cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits due to the longest-ever federal government shutdown in the United States, the need for food assistance has grown dramatically.

In response, the association has expanded its efforts to now distribute food every Saturday this month to help meet the demand.

More than 200 families were expected on Saturday for the food giveaway at Masjid Al Fajr, 2846 Cold Spring Road.

Volunteers and community organizers will also be on hand to assist families impacted by the changes to SNAP benefits.

Due to the shutdown, millions of Americans in different states who are in need may not receive food aid.

While hundreds of flights at the busiest airports in the US are being scratched this weekend due to the shutdown, analysts warn that the upheaval will intensify and be felt far beyond air travel if the cancellations pick up and move closer to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Already there are concerns about the impact on cities and businesses that rely on tourism and the possibility of shipping interruptions that could delay getting holiday data-x-items on store shelves.

Source: wishtv.com