The Hawaii Foodbank is stepping in to provide food for families affected by the partial government shutdown as it enters its fifth week.

“More and more of the 2,700 local furloughed federal workers and 1,626 military personnel serving in the Coast Guard who didn’t receive their paychecks on January 11, are facing hunger, some for the first time in their lives,” said Ron Mizutani, CEO of Hawaii Foodbank, in a news release. “With every passing day, more families are being pressured into situations they’re unfamiliar with and should never have to face them alone. It is unclear when the issues faced at our nation’s Capitol will be resolved but we must prepare as if a massive storm is quickly approaching.”

In addition to organizing a food drop-off at the U.S. Coast Guard Exchange on Sand Island from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, volunteers at the nonprofit are preparing emergency food bags to be distributed to federal government workers and their families at the Seafarers Union Hall on Kalihi Street at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

The Hawaii Foodbank is also asking the community for monetary and food donations to help meet growing needs.

“Regardless of one’s political views, it is undeniable the issue of hunger is about real people and the lives that are now being impacted,” said Mizutani in the release. “We have entered uncharted waters and we need our community’s full support to meet the increased demand.”

More information is available at hawaiifoodbank.org/govshutdown or by calling 954-7869.