ROCHESTER — Last week, Zumbro Lutheran Church set up its Open Table mobile food truck in southeast Rochester to hand out free burritos and other meals to people and families facing food insecurity as it has for the last decade.

It was taken as a sign among church officials of growing uncertainty and worry among low-income people and families in the area as a federal government shutdown approaches its second month.

The Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services earlier this month announced that it would not be issuing food assistance benefits for November until the federal government re-opens. In the past, the food truck has served as a barometer of need. Last week, the barometer jumped.

“I have been waiting this month to see a big increase. I knew the anxiety was going to hit either last week or this week. And I will say that the anxiety hit last week,” said Sarah Lichty, the church’s director of mission.

Some 450,000 Minnesotans receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits. The program runs out of money on Nov. 1. Earlier this week, 25 states, including Minnesota, and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration over the food benefits discontinuation.

The impending loss of food benefits doesn’t mean the complete evaporation of government support for families in need. Gov. Tim Walz announced

$4 million in emergency state funding

for food shelves to help those affected. Moreover, the cash portion of the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) will still be issued, officials say.

In anticipation of the growing need, church leaders at last week’s service put out an extra call for more donations. The church also upped its weekly spending on groceries for its pantries from $80 to $200.

Zumbro Church sets up its food truck every Thursday across the street from El Gallo Mexican Grocery in southeast Rochester, not far from Oak Terrace and Parkside mobile home parks. Before it rolls up to the curb, a lengthy line of vehicles usually has begun to form.

Food security has always been a big part of the mission of Zumbro Lutheran Church, said the church’s communications director Julie Knowlton. In addition to the burrito truck, it also runs two food pantries from the church, one inside, the other outside.

“When people have to worry that they’re not going to be able to put food on the table, it’s a big concern,” Knowlton said. “Are they going to be able to eat this week?”