(Dallas, TX) — North Texas food charities are starting to hear from unpaid federal employees.

The Tarrant Area Food Bank got its first calls on Monday from people asking how to receive assistance.  The North Texas Food Bank says they’re trying to assess the anticipated demand.  Community Link in Saginaw saw its first federal employee on Tuesday.  Harvesting International in Mansfield set up a distribution day for federal employees last Friday.

Food banks say inventories are strong after the holiday season, but the shutdown could put them to the test.