The Houston Food Bank, along with other anti-hunger organizations, prepares for the surge in demand they expect will come with the end of SNAP benefits on Nov. 1 due to the government shutdown.

Employed single mothers who make less than $41,000 per year rely on about $400 a month in government assistance to feed their children. But as the federal The Houston Food Bank's call volume has spiked since the federal government announced it would not be releasing SNAP benefits in November.

The Houston Food Bank launched a special food distribution center for unpaid federal workers amid the government shutdown.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Food Bank had some extra help in preparing meals for the needy Monday morning, but this was no ordinary volunteer. Celebrity chef and ABC's "The Chew" co-host Carla Hall made a surprise visit at the food bank.

Houstonians face growing food insecurity; local food banks, like the Houston Food Bank, expand efforts to help.

The food bank is facing a ticking clock. They're at risk of losing government funding for food used to fill bellies. Hugo Lagarda with the Houston Food Bank said every day the government shutdown lasts past Oct. 27, thousands will lose SNAP benefits.

This new facility is set to triple the number of meals provided to Houston's children in need, expanding from 10,000 to a potential 26,000 meals a day by 2031.