Macon County Salvation Army says they are helping twice the number of families

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — With the government shutdown entering its fourth week, food pantries across the country are starting to feel the strain. If the shutdown continues past Nov. 1, states may not receive critical federal funds that aid food pantries.

Major Randall Summit at the Macon County Salvation Army said they are already helping twice the number of families as they usually do, and he expects that number to increase.

"We've seen a doubling—what we had noticed up to this point this year is that most days ... when we're open, we normally see 40 to 60 clients. Last Saturday we saw 75 [clients]. Last Tuesday we saw 80 [clients]," Summit said.

He explained that it is not only a Salvation Army issue, or even one singular to Macon County, but it is a problem happening across the country.

"As I listen to the other food banks, I'm hearing them say basically the same things I'm saying. Their numbers are up. Even small pantries, the ones out on the fringes—Oreana, Mt. Zion, the ones that are only open one or two days a week—their numbers are doubling as well," Summit said.

Directors at food pantries across the community are figuring out how to maximize and stretch their resources.

"We're not expecting anybody to solve the problem, but if all of us come together, we can take care of our neighbors," Summit said.

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