A Jackson food pantry is preparing to feed more people in need as SNAP benefits are set to pause due to the government shutdown. Stewpot also serves meals to those in need.

The pause in SNAP benefits is forcing some families to make tough choices, whether to pay for food or medication.

Reporting on the effects of the shutdown, ABC News’ Jay O’Brien talks to federal employees, military families and parents experiencing increasing healthcare premiums and food insecurity.

SNAP provides food benefits for more than 40 million Americans, including more than a million children, families, seniors, and disabled adults in Georgia. Advocates warn that if the shutdown continues, food banks and community pantries will be pushed to the breaking point.

Two federal judge have ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund the SNAP food aid program using contingency funds during the government shutdown