CHICOPEE, Mass. - As lawmakers in Washington D.C. remain in a stalemate, people across the country are bracing for the true impact of the federal government shutdown.

In Massachusetts, organizations like the Food Bank of Western Mass. rely on the government to help provide millions of meals a year. Their executive director told Spectrum News 1 their mission will stay the same, but the work of feeding Massachusetts residents may soon become more difficult as the shutdown continues.

“Honestly, we don't know yet," Andrew Morehouse said. "Clearly, we're concerned about it. Every day and week that passes means that more people may not be able to access benefits.”

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts said they provide more than 1.2 million meals a month. Morehouse said the need they serve could soon grow as furloughed workers or federal employees working without pay may face food insecurity.

“We're bracing for the unknown," Morehouse said. "Should the government shutdown extend beyond a month? We will be in a difficult situation”

Morehouse said the Food Bank has supplies now, but the food they’ve ordered from the U.S. Department of Agriculture won’t last forever.

“During the government shutdown, we can't order any food, and we've only ordered food out for two months," Morehouse said. "So, after two months, if the government is still shut down, we're going to be in a bind - serious bind.”

Despite the government shutdown, Morehouse said the Food Bank’s job is still to be able to provide healthy food to anybody and everybody when and where they need it.

“Whether it's from the federal government or from funding we receive from the state of Massachusetts or from private, food donors, retailers, wholesalers and the like," Morehouse said. "So, we're reaching out to anybody and everyone to help us ensure that everyone has access to nutritious food.”

Congressman Jim McGovern (D) Massachusetts 2nd District is urging people to reach out to their reps in Washington as well.

“Call your representative and tell them to open up the government and protect people's health care," McGovern said. "WIC is essential. SNAP is essential. I mean, we have 46 million people in this country who are hungry. We ought to care about that.”

“In the next few weeks, we'll determine what the impact of the government shutdown is on our partner food pantries and meal sites," Morehouse said, "199 strong across all four counties in western mass.”