In Columbia, a local nonprofit is stepping up as the government shutdown halts food assistance.

Meals on Wheels of Columbia will provide up to 5,000 free meals to residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, otherwise known as (SNAP).

The Missouri Department of Health announced that November benefits won’t be issued because of the federal funding impasse.

Meals will be available starting November 6 for SNAP recipients who register through the organization’s website.

More than 324,000 Missouri households depend on SNAP to afford groceries, and for now, many will turn to community aid to get through the month.