As the federal government shutdown creeps toward its 25th day, Prodisee Pantry has now opened its weekly Tuesday distribution to all federal employees in both Baldwin and Mobile counties.

Last week, after seeing the first of the paychecks to federal workers withheld, the nonprofit food pantry, headquartered in Spanish Fort, held a special distribution for federal employees, the first of its kind this year, and served 16 families.

Traditionally, Prodisee Pantry serves only those within Baldwin County, but with the strain on food pantries in Mobile and surrounding areas, the nonprofit's board decided to open up their services to federal workers in Mobile County as well, according to Executive Director Deann Servos.

The Tuesday distribution not only includes a shopping cart full of totaling over 100 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, dairy products and other staple items but is also an opportunity for participants to connect with Prodisee Pantry's partner agencies. The agencies provide a variety of services, including medical and dental screenings, budgeting assistance and free civil legal aid.

The federal government did pay active duty members of the military, including those stationed at United States Coast Guard Sector Mobile, on Oct. 15, on time, according to their biweekly schedule. However, the USCG website does not currently state if the month's second paycheck will be come.

Servos said she remembers the 2018-2019 shutdown that lasted 35 days and eventually included military members missing paychecks.

"If that happens, we could have an influx of 400 families from Coast Guard Mobile," she said. "That is a large number of folks that could be impacted."

Each Tuesday distribution take place from 9-11:30 a.m. To participate, individuals must show their federal identification.

If you'd like to donate to Prodisee Pantry or find out how you can help, visit www.ProdiseePantry.com.