LA rescue missions join forces to help feed those in need amid government shutdown

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) -- Even though the U.S. government shutdown has now tied the record for the longest-ever closure of the federal government, there's a little bit of hope among families in Southern California.

Republican and Democratic lawmakers remain at a stalemate on finding a government funding solution. Meanwhile, the shutdown impacts are mounting as SNAP funding ran dry over the weekend.

But that blame doesn't fill empty stomachs.

"I can't solve Congress' issues, but I can solve someone's hunger issues," said Ken Craft, the co-founder of Hope the Mission in North Hills.

Craft's teaming up with Los Angeles Mission to combine their chefs and fresh food supplies for Angelenos in need. Without SNAP benefits, there are a lot more people seeking help.

"Our numbers have doubled in the last week for serving," said Los Angeles Mission CEO Dennis Oleesky. "Friday alone had almost 375 people come to breakfast that live on the streets. We normally serve 100 to 150 people."

WATCH | Food distribution events becoming lifesavers for SNAP recipients amid shutdown

As SNAP benefits run dry, community members are stepping in to help. Eyewitness News reporter Madison Weil shares how drive-thru food distribution events are quickly becoming lifesavers for families in need.

One mother who wished to remain anonymous stopped by to collect a few hot meals Monday and a small stash of groceries to get by. She receives about $250 a month in SNAP benefits.

"It's always been the people," she told Eyewitness News. "The community is going to save the community members."

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said that no SNAP benefits will go out to Americans until after the government reopens -- a day after the Department of Agriculture said in court it would make partial payments.

The president posted on social media that those benefits "will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!"

ABC News has asked both the White House and the USDA for clarification. Meantime, the Senate failed for the 14th time to advance a bill that would've reopened the government until Nov. 21.

The bill failed to advance by a vote of 54-44. It would have needed 60 votes to advance

Hope the Mission and Los Angeles Mission hope their food supply is enough to fill that indefinite gap.

"I realize we all need to eat, but a child should never go hungry, especially in America," said Craft.

ABC News contributed to this report.