'The helpers need help'. Food banks brace for impact as SNAP cliff looms.

Mary Ann Edwards takes stock of inventory at the Llano Food Pantry in central Texas on October 23, 2025. She said the pantry has seen increased need because of rising costs of goods over the last year. With SNAP benefits set to halt barring Congressional intervention, she expects to see "a bunch of new people coming in."

Food banks have already been contending with higher food prices and increased need. Administrators say demand will skyrocket if federal nutrition benefits stop in a few days because of the government shutdown.

(Image credit: Barbara Sprunt)