Food Banks Aid Unpaid Federal Workers Amid Shutdown | JQJO

At a food distribution in Landover, Maryland, organized by Capital Area Food Bank and No Limits Outreach Ministries, federal workers lined up as the government shutdown stretched on. Organizers said they served more than 370 households—over twice what they expected—with IDs required to receive food. Federal contractor Summer Kerksick, who waited two hours, said missed paychecks made the groceries essential, and Social Security worker Rolanda Williams described needing help she never imagined. With about 1.4 million federal employees furloughed or unpaid, Congress remains split: Sen. Ron Johnson proposes paying only those working, while Democrats seek pay for all.