The government shutdown ended last month, but many people on food stamps are still feeling the effects, and so are local food pantries.
Salvation Army officials say more people are in need of additional food while they stretch their budgets to make ends meet.
The agency says they've recently had order more food, which puts a strain on them.
They're not serving governmental employees affected by the shutdown, but they're seeing a larger amount of families asking for help.
Low-income families across the country received SNAP benefits early to cover January and February, but have not yet received their March benefits.
The Salvation Army of Texarkana says they've been tasked with filling that void.
The agency distributes food boxes from their community food pantry every Tuesday evening by appointment only, and every Wednesday morning to walk-in clients.
Major David Feeser says they've not only seen an increase in numbers of people, but also a different demographic.
"It not only increases the number of boxes that we have to do, but we also have to look at the volunteers to help us to put the boxes together," said Feeser.
Feeser says most of the clients they've recently seen at the community pantry have been new families that have not previously used their services.
The Salvation Army receives their food items from Harvest Texarkana and the East Texas Food Bank.
For more information on how to donate or volunteer with the Salvation Army call (870) 774-2701.
