JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The persistent federal government shutdown is leaving its mark on the First Coast, hitting hardest those families grappling with the challenge of feeding their loved ones.

In response, Feeding Northeast Florida organized an emergency food distribution event early Saturday morning, drawing hundreds of cars to Regency Square Mall.

By 8 a.m., the line had swelled to over 100 vehicles, with families anxiously awaiting assistance.

“The pressures, fear, and uncertainty caused by the shutdown are palpable here,” remarked Susan King, CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida.

The organization facilitated a massive drive-through distribution, offering free fresh produce, proteins, and pantry staples. King noted they were ready to help up to 900 households affected by the prolonged shutdown.

“This is a very visible large-scale distribution. We wanted people to know that we’re here. We’re doing the best we can. There’s certainly no way that we can make up for SNAP benefits and its $22 million-a-month impact to Duval County alone,” King said.

Volunteers say the demand for help has skyrocketed.

“The economic climate is extremely high, not just because people lost SNAP but also because of the furlough. You have people right now working and they’re not getting paid, and so these lines are going to be extremely long now because we have people who are working on their jobs and they still need to feed their families,” said Shera Freeman, who volunteered at Saturday’s event.

King says the surge in demand is directly tied to financial strain many are feeling as the shutdown drags on.

“Hopefully this extreme level of anxiety and uncertainty will be gone soon,” King said.

Feeding Northeast Florida says it plans to continue holding emergency food distributions like this for as long as the need remains.