Attributed to Kate Leone, Chief Government Relations Officer
Washington – “Feeding America and our network of 200 member food banks know that just one missed paycheck can be the difference between making ends meet and needing our help. We are increasingly concerned about the hardship imposed on federal employees and contractors who will soon miss a second paycheck. The unfortunate reality is that the government shutdown illustrates what food banks face every day – millions of hardworking Americans live paycheck to paycheck and are never far from becoming food insecure. Too many families must regularly make impossible choices between paying the rent and putting food on the table. According to a recent report by the Federal Reserve Board, 40 percent of American adults would be unable to absorb an emergency expense of just $400. Knowing this, and because of the very real danger, the shutdown poses to so many affected workers, our network of 200 member food banks and 60,000 partner agencies have extended our hours, hosted pop-up mobile food distributions, and increased our supplies to meet the needs of our neighbors. We at Feeding America believe the shutdown must end immediately, but until then, we have our doors open to help federal workers and their families get through this difficult time.”
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About Feeding America
Feeding America is committed to an America where no one is hungry. We support tens of millions of people who experience food insecurity to get the food and resources they say they need to thrive as part of a nationwide network of food banks, statewide food bank associations, food pantries and meal programs. We also invest in innovative solutions to increase equitable access to nutritious food, advocate for legislation that improves food security and work to address factors that impact food security, such as health, cost of living and employment. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations, and supporters, united with them in a movement to end hunger. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.