TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Feeding Tampa Bay, one of the largest nonprofits in all of Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, expects a lot more hungry families if the United States Federal Government shuts down by midnight on October 1.

There are around 31,000 federal employees in the Tampa Bay area (Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties), according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“There are folks in our world that will suddenly be without a paycheck, and now you don’t have a paycheck, but you still have to work and you still have expenses. Those don’t go away, those don’t stop. So our role in feeding Tampa Bay is how do we step into those moments, that gap,” said Tom Mantz, the CEO of Feeding Tampa Bay.

The charity organization, which provides free food and groceries to thousands of families each year, is asking for donations and additional volunteers in anticipation of a larger population of those in need. It’s unclear exactly how many employees across the four major counties could be laid off if a shutdown proceeds.

“We may set up a pantry at the airport, which is what we did last government shutdown. We’ll make more resources available here at Causeway Center, wherever we can make sure folks can navigate a shutdown,” said Mantz.

Around 600 families were given food for both themselves and their pets at a giveaway Tuesday afternoon, with lines stretching down the street.

“We came very early because of the worry about lines. I’m just worried about the shutdown that’s going to change everything. I have a son who’s is in the service. I’m worried about him getting paid. He has family he has to take care of. And that’s my biggest worry,” said Lucy Estrella, of Hillsborough County.

If you would like to assist Feeding Tampa Bay, they ask that you volunteer your time or donate food to their food bank.