United Way of Richland County has set aside $20,000 to help create a pantry assistance fund that will be available after February 1st to help those who will not be receiving their SNAP Benefits. Due to the government shutdown, no new benefits will go out after February 1st and so this fund will help supply local food pantries for those in need of assistance. United Way Executive Director Dan Varn said a committee of individuals will hand out the grants to the food pantries to support the folks in need.