FRESNO, Calif. — On a rainy Saturday, a long line of federal workers waited outside The Fresno Center, hoping to get food for their families. Many of them are struggling, as they’ve either been furloughed or are working without pay due to the lengthy government shutdown.
Pao Yang, the President and CEO of The Fresno Center, shared, “For a lot of these families, this is not just an option—it’s a necessity.” The struggle is real, especially for those who haven’t seen a paycheck in weeks. “I can’t imagine going 40 days without pay,” Yang added.
One federal worker, Jason Sisk, described the tough times faced by many. “It’s been rough. Some people have lost their jobs and haven’t received their unemployment checks,” he said.
Volunteers at the event worked hard to distribute food, including chicken, eggs, and fruit, sourced from the Central California Food Bank. Natalie Caples, co-CEO of the Food Bank, noted a staggering 400% increase in calls for assistance during this crisis.
Even though the government has reopened, the impact remains. “There’s always a gap between when the doors open and when people receive their benefits,” said Fresno City Councilmember Nelson Esparza. He emphasized the importance of these food giveaways in supporting families during this transitional period.
As cars lined up steadily, supplies eventually ran out. Congressman Jim Costa announced that 500 families received meals that day. He also reassured workers that their paychecks should be processed soon, with hopes everyone would receive their funds by Thanksgiving.
This situation reflects a broader issue affecting many federal employees. In 2018-2019, a similar shutdown impacted employees’ livelihoods, forcing many to seek assistance.
According to a 2021 survey by the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund, nearly 30% of federal workers reported financial struggles due to government shutdowns.
Food banks are stepping up, but the need continues to grow. This event highlights not just the struggles faced by federal workers but also the community’s resilience in pulling together during tough times.
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Need for food among federal workers remains even after government reopens, timely, 18159770
