ATLANTA - With more than 1.6 million Georgians about to lose access to SNAP benefits if the federal government shutdown drags past this week, food banks across North Georgia are bracing for a surge, and asking the public to step in immediately. Here is a list of organizations, region by region, in North Georgia which could use your help:

The USDA announced that SNAP benefits would become unavailable starting Nov. 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown. FOX LOCAL's Judayah Murray shares a free resource to help you find food assistance in your zip code.

A TLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A rural northwest Georgia food pantry knows the next time they open their doors it’ll be slammed. In Rome, Journey Community Food Pantry serves 700-800 families a month. They’ve already had 20 to 25 new families each week this month.

On Tuesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” Georgia state Sen. Kim Jackson talks with host Rose Scott about her push for a special session that will allow Georgia lawmakers to vote on appropriating funds to provide emergency relief for Georgians that rely on SNAP.

Georgia DHS says SNAP food benefits for more than 687,000 households will end November 1 if the federal government shutdown continues. Families are urged to plan ahead and use remaining funds now.

With federal funding running out for the SNAP program that feeds millions of people in Georgia and South Carolina, it may be up to the state governments to act.

Due to the government shutdown, many people across the two-state won’t receive SNAP benefits after October 31st. New Disabled South wants to step in and help the disabled in several southern states including Georgia and South Carolina.

More than 687,000 Georgia households could lose access to SNAP benefits next month if the federal government shutdown continues, putting pressure on food banks already seeing increased demand.