Families turn to food banks amid government shutdown as demand surges. Feeding Northeast Florida reports a doubling of families in need.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the federal government shutdown stretches into its 14th day, the effects are being felt far beyond Washington. Here on the First Coast, families are lining up at food banks, worried about missed paychecks and how they’ll make ends meet.
Feeding Northeast Florida, one of the region’s largest food banks, said the number of families seeking help has doubled since the shutdown began.
At Bethany Ministries Church in Jacksonville, families like Darryl Jackson’s waited in line for a food drive this week. While Darryl said he isn’t effected by the shutdown, he said access food drives like this are important for families who are dealing with the shutdown.
“Just taking advantage of God’s blessings,” Jackson said. “We’re a family of five. We work hard, we’re blue-collar workers — but the assistance helps.”
Pastor Walter Brown said he can see the strain on people’s faces.
“It’s got to be a concern,” Brown said. “If people cannot eat, how can they exist? It takes others stepping in to make sure everyone has enough to get by.”
The church partnered with Feeding Northeast Florida, which supplies food to 12 counties across the region. But this week’s demand, the organization said, is unlike anything they’ve seen in years.
At one recent food drive, staff expected to serve 100 families, more than 200 showed up.
“It’s not just that they’ve missed paychecks,” said Susan King, president of Feeding Northeast Florida. “It’s the anticipation and the uncertainty… and we’re preparing for what might be coming ahead.”
About 70% of what the organization distributes is fresh food. But with some federal programs on hold and several local distribution sites recently closing, keeping shelves stocked has been a challenge.
“We’ve got some bare shelves right now,” said Sarah, a Feeding Northeast Florida representative. “We’re constantly bringing food in and pushing it right back out.”
Even as donations fluctuate, one thing has remained steady: the support of the organization’s volunteers – more than 16,000 last year alone.
For families like Jackson’s, that community support makes all the difference.
“Because people are being affected by the shutdown, things like this become even more important,” he said. “But honestly, people need this kind of help whether the government’s open or not.”
Feeding Northeast Florida said it’s now coordinating with local leaders to expand food drives and donation sites across the region.
Bethany Ministries hosts a food factory every 2nd and 4th Saturday from 10am until the food is gone. Feeding Northeast Florida comes to the church’s parking lot every 2nd Tuesday. If you’d like to get involved with the organization, click this link.