On Tuesday, October 28—just one day before thousands of federal workers missed their first full paycheck due to the government shutdown—Food Bank For NYC stepped up to provide immediate relief.
At Corona SDA Church in Queens, only a few miles from LaGuardia Airport, federal employees and their families lined up for fresh produce, proteins, pantry staples, and personal care items. The line stretched down the block—a clear sign of how deeply this shutdown is impacting hardworking New Yorkers.
“Our mission has always been to make sure every New Yorker has access to food,” said Zac Hall, SVP of Programs at Food Bank For NYC. “Today’s turnout shows just how vital that mission is. Many people who serve our city and country are suddenly without income, and we’re proud to be there for them and their families.”
The emergency distribution, funded by a generous donation from Stop & Shop, is part of Food Bank’s citywide effort to meet rising demand as economic pressures continue to grow.
“We’re real people doing our jobs every day,” said one affected federal worker, “We didn’t do anything to deserve this.”
Every meal distributed was a reminder that New Yorkers look out for one another—and that no one should face hunger alone.
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