Central Texas Food Bank helping those affected by government shutdown
AUSTIN, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - As the government shutdown continues, federal workers are feeling the pain at they try to figure out how to feed their famlies and pay their bills. One local organizations is stepping in to offer some help.
The shutdown is now in its 26th day (as of 1/16/19) and there are no signs that either side is willing to budge. President Trump insists Congress provide $5.7 billion to build his promised border wall with Mexico and Democrats say they will discuss border security once the government has reopened but Pelosi is refusing money for the wall.
Meantime hundreds of thousands of federal employees, including many in Central Texas, are feeling the shutdown's effects so the Central Texas Food Bank is looking to help out by setting up an emergency distribution event at its warehouse.
Normally the Central Texas Food Bank events are held year round but this is the first time it's being offered just for federal workers.
According to the food bank it's able to feed 46,000 people each week. Among the 21 counties its serves about 25,000 are federal workers impacted by the shutdown.
Starting today (1/16) workers can go and get a box of food and a hygiene kit. The box will include things like peanut butter, tuna, baked beans, spaghetti and jelly. The kit will include things such as baby wipes, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, shaving gel and razors.
If you'd like to help you donate money online or drop off canned goods at the Central Texas Food Bank facility on Metropolis.
For workers who need things you can start heading to the food bank at 9 a.m. and the event runs through 5 p.m.
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