HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank saw a large line form ahead of their mobile distribution event at the Hampton Coliseum Wednesday morning.

As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, the impact is being felt far beyond Washington. Federal workers across the country are going without pay, and families who rely on federal benefits like SNAP or WIC could see those funds run out by the end of the month. That looming uncertainty is putting added pressure on food banks

While the distribution itself did not start until 10 a.m., many people lined up early in order to register for the event. The distribution comes after warnings that federal food programs, such as SNAP, may run out during the government shutdown.

10 On Your Side’s Walter Hildebrand was at the Hampton Coliseum early Wednesday morning, where he reported seeing people lining up as early as 4:30 a.m.

“I didn’t get here until six and there were already two rows here,” said Nicole Sanders with the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank.

Organizers say they’re already seeing a 25% increase in demand from partner agencies across the region and with no sign of progress in Congress, they are preparing for the possibility of more.

The distribution event in Hampton follows a ‘Shutdown Relief’ food distribution in Newport News, which also saw a large turnout.

Wednesday’s distribution event at the Hampton Coliseum was the last mobile distribution for the city during the month of October. Another mobile distribution event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at Gethsemane Baptist Church in Newport News.

The drive-thru-style event feeds hundreds of local families every fourth Wednesday of the month.

“If your benefits are cut, you’re going to come to the food bank,” Figurelle said. “That’s what we’re here for… to fill that emergency gap for people who are in need.”