Local leaders discuss food insecurity in Milwaukee County as holiday season approaches

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Around one in four children experience hunger here in Milwaukee County. 

Tuesday, a number of local leaders addressed the city's food insecurity problem, which has only increased due to the recent government shutdown. 

County Executive David Crowley touched on the essential role food assistance programs play in ensuring Milwaukee's children are fed. 

Even though the shutdown has ended, he wants to make sure the city is prepared if residents ever lose their access to these programs again. 

"We have to ask ourselves, will SNAP run out again if the government shuts down again? And I don't think we should wait and see, we simply have to do what's right right now to strengthen this safety net for all of working families, seniors and children," Crowley said. 

As of last week, Milwaukee County's Unified Food Drive has received over $92,000 along with over 9,000 pounds of donated food.