BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Brooklyn-native Adriana never thought she’d find herself in a food line. But as a federal worker navigating the 43-day government shutdown, she is confronting the harsh reality facing many of her colleagues.
“I’m a federal worker, and thankfully I’m getting paid,” Adriana said as she picked up groceries at a special Downtown Brooklyn distribution hosted by Food Bank For NYC. “But the paycheck only goes so far. I have two growing boys… Anything I can get from here is a lifesaver.”
The distribution, held Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Columbus Park, was the third in a series of emergency food distributions serving federal workers across the city, following previous stops in Corona, Queens, and at the John F. Kennedy International Airport. The Brooklyn event provided fresh groceries and essential household supplies to over 300 neighbors.
Adriana’s situation highlights a broader trend: even federal workers who are receiving paychecks are feeling the pinch of rising costs, leaving many unable to cover food, rent, and other essential expenses. Those without paychecks face an even more dire scenario.
The majority of people using Food Bank For NYC’s services are working, and some federal workers haven’t been paid in two months. “They aren’t a paycheck away from needing help—they’re there now,” Adriana said.
Zac Hall, Senior Vice President of Programs who partnered with the Brooklyn Borough President’s office for the special food distribution, said, “Cost of living is high. Even a job doesn’t guarantee you have all the resources to make ends meet. We want to make sure students show up to school ready to learn. Seniors don’t have to choose between filling prescriptions or putting food on the table.”
For Adriana, the shutdown has forced difficult decisions. “Food is high. What I’m not going to pay for rent, I’m going to use on higher-paying meats and fruits,” she said. “You have to cut corners somehow, but you also have to feed your family.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso joined the distribution, noting the importance of accessible locations for families reliant on public transit. “In the midst of federal dysfunction, we have folks who really care for the people in this city,” Reynoso said. He reflected on his own upbringing as the son of Dominican immigrants. “Without government support, we could have been homeless or food insecure. Food is the centering foundation of an immigrant family. These programs gave me the opportunity to stand here today.”
The shutdown, which has prevented many federal employees from receiving paychecks, underscores a larger issue: food insecurity is widespread, even among those employed. “Now we have a new group of folks joining the lines,” Reynoso said. “It’s a very sad time, but Food Bank For NYC is showing up for people when they need the most help.”
Volunteers and donors are making a tangible difference in households across the city. “This isn’t politics—it’s people,” Hall said. “The shutdown has shown us just how fragile food security is. Families aren’t looking for handouts; they’re looking to survive.”
As the holidays approach, the need for support is even more urgent. “It’s important for families to come together, make memories, and connect around a Thanksgiving table,” Hall said. “You can’t eat meals you didn’t get.”
Through food distributions, advocacy, and community support, Food Bank For NYC is helping ensure that no New Yorker is left behind. “We’re here saying we love you. We’re New York, and we’re going to come together like a village and take care of each other,” Reynoso said.
Additional live coverage of this event was provided by ABC and NBC.
