Furloughed workers turn to food banks

Some furloughed workers have had to go to charities for food since being out of work and without a paycheck. Chesapeake Cares Food Pantry led a food drive for workers on Monday, and around 200 people showed up to get frozen meats, canned vegetables and a variety of other food basics. Rev. Robert Hahn, the head of End Hunger in Calvert County, commented: “These folks don’t know how to be poor. These folks are fish out of water and they feel humiliated, like they have lost their dignity.” Last week Hahn’s charity gave 2,700 pounds of food to families, and he plans to continue if the shutdown does not end soon.

Some furloughed workers were even there to help distribute food, although many said that they are also struggling to make ends meet. “The biggest thing is fear,” said Hahn. “Even a lot of federal employees who know that they’re going to get their checks made up, they’re still going to be shy” if they miss a pay period.

President Obama visited Martha’s Table on Monday, where several volunteers were even furloughed. “They’re here contributing and giving back to the community and I think that shows the kind of spirit that we have among all kinds of federal workers all across the country, people who dedicate their lives to public service,” Obama said.