The USDA is warning that SNAP benefits will run out at the end of the week.
A food distribution event was held for federal workers on Monday at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The Community Food Bank of New Jersey gave out fresh produce and pantry items as federal workers brace to miss their first full paycheck due to the government shutdown.
"This is very specific to the shutdown. So, I mean, of course, if a federal worker had food insecurity in their lives, they could come to one of our pantries. But a focused effort like this is very much due to the fact that they are now missing paychecks," President and CEO of CFBNJ Elizabeth McCarthy said.
Community Food Bank brought three tractor-trailers full of food to the four-hour distribution event at Terminal C.
Pallets upon pallets of food were donated by Stop & Shop to help 2,000 families.
"I mean, we had people telling us they were getting eviction notices, that they were really not going to be able to pay their utilities. And so we quickly got this into action, really in just a matter of days," McCarthy said.
The federal employees on the receiving end showed tons of gratitude.
"They're happy for the food that they're getting today to put on their table for their families. That meant a lot to us. And, of course, we've been having a conversation about, you know, we thank you for being here. We know how, how hard it is some days to come to work. But we appreciate you every single day," Shari Williams, Customer Service Manager of Stop & Shop, said.
For more information visit Feedingamerica.com.