A Dallas church and its nonprofit are stepping in to help families during the ongoing federal government shutdown and the expected delay of SNAP benefits.

Harmony Community Development Corporation, the outreach arm of Concord Church, is offering residents in need free groceries.

The food distribution is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6969 Pastor Bailey Drive in Dallas. The group primarily serves southern Dallas, but says no one will be turned away.

“So we’re hoping when people come on Saturday, they will not only get a food box prepared, but they’ll also feel the love. We’ll be praying for individuals. We want people to feel encouraged in this season that you are not alone,” said Pastor Bryan Carter, Concord Church

Regular pantry hours continue Mondays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays.

Weekly distributions will continue through Dec. 11.

Harmony CDC also offers a variety of other services, including rent, mortgage and utility assistance; housing stability and homeownership education; counseling and mental-wellness resources; as well as career and financial coaching.

The nonprofit also invites volunteers to sign up to help with sorting, packing and distributing food. If you would like to donate, the nonprofit welcomes contributions to help purchase food and fund wraparound services. A donation of $40 can help feed a family for one week.

The state and nonprofits encourage Texans who’ll no longer have SNAP benefits in November to call 211 to get support, but agencies that run 211 call centers say they’re already having trouble meeting demand and need more funding.

Hungry? In need of food?

If you’re hungry and need nutritious, free food, you can call 2-1-1 for the latest information on the SNAP program and find alternative food resources from area food banks, food pantries and other community resources.

If you need food and live in Bosque, Cooke, Denton, Erath, Hamilton, Hill, Hood, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant or Wise counties, search the Tarrant Area Food Bank website for food pantries.

If you need food and live in Collin, Dallas, Delta, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Navarro, or Rockwall counties, search the North Texas Food Bank website for food pantries.

If you need food and live elsewhere in Texas, visit the Feeding Texas website to find your local food bank and food pantries.

SNAP benefits nationwide and in Texas