ELK GROVE, Calif — The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has entered its 36th day, rippling far beyond Washington. In Elk Grove, families are feeling the strain as paychecks stop and federal aid runs dry — and the community is stepping up to help.
At Elk Grove Food Bank Services, people waited in long lines through cold and wind as volunteers loaded carts with groceries. Many quietly asked not to be shown on camera, saying only that this moment was difficult, though they expressed gratitude for the kindness and respect shown by those helping.
Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said the toll is visible on the faces of the city’s children.
“You know what makes me angry and really upset?” she said. “When I got here a few hours ago this morning, I saw young children looking at me when I passed out the food — and seeing sort of that hopelessness in their eyes is unacceptable to me.”
City leaders joined volunteers to distribute food as frustration mounted over stalled talks in Washington…