As of Oct. 23, it’s been 23 days since the federal government shutdown began, and lawmakers have yet to reach an agreement. With no resolution in sight, government employees across the nation are turning to food banks for support. According to the U.S. General Services Administration’s 2025 payroll calendar, government civilian employees who are expecting electronic deposits on Oct. 24 will miss their first full paycheck, a harsh reminder of the federal stalemate and its growing toll on working families in our communities.
In response to the growing uncertainty, the Council of Prison Local 4044 President Caleb French, reached out to the Coastal Bend Food Bank for food assistance. Supported by facility leadership, the Coastal Bend Food Bank hosted a mobile distribution at the Federal Correctional Institute Three Rivers, serving 225 families affected by the shutdown. Each family received a food box containing nonperishable items, fresh produce, bread, and frozen chicken to help ease the strain caused by missed paychecks. The Food Bank also provided families with information to nearby partner food pantries across Live Oak County and surrounding counties to assist them during the shutdown.
Bea Hanson, executive director of the Coastal Bend Food Bank, emphasized the organization’s commitment to meeting the urgent needs of these families during the shutdown…