As of Oct. 23, it’s been 23 days since the federal government shutdown began, and lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement. With no resolution in sight, government employees across the nation are turning to food banks for support. According to the U.S. General Services Administration’s 2025 payroll calendar, government civilian employees who are expecting electronic deposits on Oct. 24 will miss their first full paycheck, a harsh reminder of the federal stalemate and its growing toll on working families in our communities. 

In response to the growing uncertainty, the Council of Prison Local 4044 President Caleb French, reached out to the Coastal Bend Food Bank for food assistance. Supported by facility leadership, the Coastal Bend Food Bank hosted a mobile distribution at the Federal Correctional Institute Three Rivers, serving 225 families affected by the shutdown. Each family received a food box containing nonperishable items, fresh produce, bread, and frozen chicken to help ease the strain caused by missed paychecks. The Food Bank also provided families with information to nearby partner food pantries across Live Oak County and surrounding counties to assist them during the shutdown. 

Bea Hanson, executive director of the Coastal Bend Food Bank, emphasized the organization’s commitment to meeting the urgent needs of these families during the shutdown. 

“Our mission is to provide emergency food services, and right now, these families are truly facing an emergency,” Hanson said. “We need to be ready to support them so they can focus on other expenses they’re struggling to cover. I truly admire that these individuals continue to work every day, even knowing their paycheck isn’t coming. They’re facing a real crisis, and it’s our responsibility to make sure they don’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from.”

Jamar Sanders, executive assistant and camp administrator at FCI Three Rivers, expressed gratitude for the Coastal Bend Food Bank’s support. 

“Staff, their children, and families are deeply grateful for the community support during this government shutdown,” Sanders said. “Many are having to make difficult decisions about vital necessities, whether to buy groceries or pay bills. Some have even been approached about paying their mortgage or rent, and that’s taken a real toll.” He added that not having to worry about food takes away one major stressor, and the support provides not only physical nutritional support but also a spiritual one.

As the shutdown continues without a resolution in sight, food banks across the country are stepping up to ensure federal employees and their families don’t have to face an empty table, reminding us that even in times of hardship, community support makes all the difference.