At Dallas' Concord Church, volunteers gathered at the food pantry for a Saturday mission.

“We’re going to empty it, so we can fill stomachs and fill lives today, because that’s what we’re here for," said Pastor Bryan Carter.

Watch NBC 5 free wherever you are WATCH HERE

Carter said they were prepared to give out free groceries to 500 families, who started lining up three hours before distribution time.

“We just believe based on the recent SNAP benefits ending and along with so many in our community that are hurting for the furloughed workers, today we're giving out food boxes to our community," he said.

Create a free account with NBC 5 DFW to save articles and videos. LEARN MORE

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said it would freeze payments to SNAP starting Saturday, citing a la

See Full Page