LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As the nation's longest government shutdown continues, thousands of Kentuckians who rely on SNAP benefits are turning to food banks already stretched thin.

According to Dare to Care, in the last two years, food insecurity in Kentuckiana has increased by 48%, affecting more than 180,000 people.

"As you see an increase in foot traffic and less donations, that obviously creates a challenge," said Tony Nochim, a spokesperson for St. Vincent de Paul Louisville.

The challenge for St. Vincent de Paul has been keeping enough food on the shelves as that demand has increased. Last week, the 166 people who showed up Thursday to collect food at its pantry marked the most served in one day.

Tuesday, 145 more individuals showed up to collect food.

"It's been kind of a challenge in making sure that we're giving what we normally give to those that are in need," Nochim said.

Food pantries, like the one at St. Vincent de Paul, have been a lifeline for those who typically rely on federal SNAP benefits.

With the government shutdown, the benefits are paused.

"This is helping me feed my sons," said Clarence Wright, a single father of two boys.

Wright, like thousands of others who depend of SNAP benefits to feed their families, is now forced to rely on food pantries as politicians in Washington debate how to reopen the government.

"I have no... horse in the race," he emphasized. "I just want to feed my kids, man."

In Indiana, partial SNAP benefits were restored to EBT cards on Nov. 11, according to Gov. Mike Braun.

But in Kentucky, and many other states, numerous families don't have a timeline for when benefits could be restored even if a shutdown ending bill is passed.

That uncertainty is putting added pressure on food banks already struggling to stay stocked.

"When you have an increased foot traffic at your food pantry and you got decrease in terms of donations and government support, it creates a challenge," Nochim said. "Our resources have definitely been stretched thin over the last really, over the last several months. Again, the government shutdown has only magnified that."

St. Vincent de Paul is accepting donations at its food pantry. You can drop them off at 415 E. St. Catherine Street in Louisville. Or CLICK HERE to make a monetary donation. 

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