TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The need for food assistance at Metropolitan Ministries has doubled since the start of the government shutdown, and with missed SNAP benefits on the horizon, leaders of the non-profit said they are bracing for impact.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced online that SNAP benefits will not go out on the first of November, like many residents were counting on.

"We're seeing an unprecedented surge of the number of families and individuals seeking assistance,” said Sarah Combs, CEO and president of Metropolitan Ministries.

She said they’ve served more than 57,000 hot meals in September, many of those going to government workers who’ve gone without pay.

"When your rent, utilities, groceries are adding up to 60-80% of your income, that doesn't leave a lot of room

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