As the federal government continues to drag its feet in reopening — and thus restarting the funding on crucial programs like SNAP and Head Start ­– neighbors are helping neighbors here in the Ohio Valley.

One local organization and a local grocery store have stepped up to assist those in need as SNAP benefits have halted. Grow Ohio Valley and its downtown grocery and food hub, The Public Market, will be providing food boxes in November to those experiencing the temporary loss of food assistance benefits.

Meanwhile, Neely’s Grocery in Wheeling will offer 10% discounts on certain food staples to those who show employees their EBT card.

“When families face an unexpected interruption to SNAP, the fallout is immediate ­– fridges go bare, budgets break, and stress skyrockets,” said Grow OV Executive Director Jodi Adams.

And while these local angels, as well as many other organizations who help feed the hungry, can’t completely solve the problem, they can offer at least a little more comfort to those dealing with dire situations.

You can help, too. Maybe it’s money. Maybe it’s a food donation. Maybe it’s your time. But you can join groups like these in lending a hand to your neighbors.

Who knows when the gridlock in D.C. will end, but until then, folks like Neely’s and Grow OV won’t sit on the sidelines and watch others go hungry.