JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the federal government shutdown continues, the impact is being felt across the First Coast — especially for families struggling to put food on the table.

Early Saturday morning, hundreds of cars lined up outside Regency Square Mall for an emergency food distribution organized by Feeding Northeast Florida.

By 8 a.m., more than 100 vehicles had already formed a line as families waited for much- needed help.

“The pressures of the shutdown, the fear that people feel, and the uncertainty that they feel is very much in evidence here,” said Susan King, CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida.

The organization hosted a large-scale, drive-through food distribution offering free fresh produce, proteins and pantry staples. King says the team was prepared to serve up to 900 house

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