Pie Heaven Bakery Café in Mayport supports federal workers with free pot pies during the government shutdown, easing stress for many families.

ATLANTIC BEACH, Fla. — As the government shutdown drags on to its fourth week, some federal employees are still working without pay, and one local bakery is doing what it can to help.

Pie Heaven Bakery Café, located on Mayport Road right next to Naval Station Mayport, is giving away free pot pies to anyone affected by the shutdown.

Owner Anita Hyde said she started the giveaway after seeing the stress military families and federal workers were facing as paychecks stopped coming in.

“I can’t pay all their bills,” Hyde said, “but at least we can let them know they’re seen and take away the stress of worrying about dinner.”

Hyde, who once worked as a commercial insurance underwriter, says baking wasn’t always part of her plan.

“We started from scratch in 2013, not having a clue,” she said. “Then one day, I just started craving pie.”

That craving turned into a full-fledged bakery, where the smell of warm, sweet pies fills the air the moment you step inside, like walking into grandma’s kitchen.

The bakery is small, with just three ovens and one mixer. During the holidays, its pies sell out within 45 minutes. But now, instead of selling $45 pies, Hyde and her team are giving them away.

“One of the things that just ripped my heart out was hearing a woman say she went to the food bank and all they had left were canned vegetables,” Hyde said. “That’s when I realized how hard this was hitting people.”

Despite the extra labor and cost, Hyde says it’s worth it.

“But I just wanted to do it, and I didn’t give it much more thought.”

Customers have also joined in to support the effort, buying pies to help cover costs for families in need.

“I’m retired, and my husband is retired Navy,” said customer Maureen Lentz. “I just thought it was so beautiful, I had to come in and buy a pie.”

“It’s so generous and thoughtful,” added customer Willow Logue. “Supporting the community like this is fantastic.”

Hyde says she’s seen her kindness come full circle.

“The only thing we’ve really been out of pocket for is maybe five or six pies and the labor,” she said. “It’s like the scripture says: give, and it’ll be given to you.”

Pie Heaven plans to keep the giveaway going as long as the government remains shut down and employees are working without pay.

Anyone who qualifies can call the bakery (904) 524-7274 to place an order.