Shelves at Salvation Army in Niagara Falls are bare as they see more demand during SNAP uncertainty

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) -- With the ongoing government shutdown, those who benefit from SNAP benefits may not receive them starting on November 1st.

"We might actually run out of food, we might actually have people come in and say we can't help you today because there is nothing left in our cupboards," said Major Andrew Murray with the Salvation Army in Niagara Falls.

The Salvation Army in Niagara Falls food pantry has never seen their shelves this empty before. Murray says they typically see a low supply of food around this time of year, however, with the uncertainty of SNAP benefits going on they're seeing more of a demand for food.

"We are seeing so many more requests for food right now, we're seeing so many more people asking us for help and this is not just us, but it's every food pantry in the area." said Murray. "Some of it has to do with the fear of what's happening with SNAP and things like that from government assistance, there's a lot of thigs that play into it, but the uncertainty makes people frightened and so they're reaching out for help."

Murray says they're seeing a 50% increase of requests for food every day.

"I have never seen this pantry as low as it is, never," said Sandra Quinn, a Niagara Falls resident.

Quinn has been visiting the pantry occasionally throughout the past twenty years, and shared how important it can be for the community.

"Especially now when people are trying to make ends meet, and living from paycheck to paycheck, sometimes that doesn't last until the end of the month, so without the Salvation Army I think we'd be in trouble," said Quinn.

Murray also says one of their freezers broke, and is now working, however, they lost a full freezer full of meats and frozen food.

"It's just a perfect storm, and sometimes life is like that ... and yet we believe that people want to help, people want to make a difference," said Murray. "It all helps and what we find, it isn't any one person doing mass amounts of stuff, it's lots of people helping just as they can."

Murray says their salvation red kettle bells will be out in the community starting Monday. People can donate monetary donations by cash or check, and can drop off food donations at 7018 Buffalo Ave. in Niagara Falls.

For more information about the Salvation Army of Niagara Falls, visit their website here.