The federal government shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history, and it’s hitting South Dakotans hard.
About 12,000 federal workers in the state are going without pay, and nearly 75,000 residents could see disruptions to SNAP food assistance.
Food banks in Sioux Falls are already seeing an increase in demand. Pastor Jeff Hayes with Faith Temple Church says many families are worried about how they’ll afford groceries.
To help, First Dakota National Bank is offering no-interest loans to furloughed federal workers and has already issued more than 45 loans totaling over half a million dollars.
Pastor Hayes says churches are being asked to step up, and Faith Temple has several truckloads of potatoes available for organizations willing to help with distribution.
