AUSTIN, Texas — The Central Texas Food Bank reported they served a total of 830 households, or 2,729 individuals, on Wednesday at the food distribution and resource fair.
They passed out food, water, toiletries, and information on ways furloughed workers can access food through the food bank.
"This is what we do, and to be able to hold this resource fair, I would argue there are federal employees who have not even thought about the possibility of having to utilize the services of our food bank," said President and CEO Derrick Chubbs. "But we wanted to do that so that they would know we’re available. We don’t know when this is going to end, so we wanted to get out in front of this thing and provide services for them."
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Federal workers accounted for most of the people served on Wednesday.
“It gives us help. We can save the little bit of money that we do have for our bills," said Leonardo Silva, a TSA agent.
Silva has been working without pay throughout the shutdown.
Unlike Silva, Emma Roland, who works with the IRS, said she was sent home. After not getting a paycheck, she said "every little bit helps."
"Thank God that they really care, there’s people out there that know what we’re going through. It’s just a blessing," Roland said. "When you’re not having to buy food, then you can pay your bills, have a little extra and stretch."
Those with the Central Texas Food Bank said they may host another food distribution in a few weeks. They encouraged people to go to their website if they need help or would like to donate.