Central Texas Food Bank Feeds 1,200-Plus Impacted By Shutdown

AUSTIN, TEXAS — In its second food distribution for families affected by the recent shutdown of the federal government, the Central Texas Food Bank provided food to more than 1,200 people representing nearly 400 households on Wednesday.

All told, officials said, the regional food bank provided food for 376 households benefiting 1,278 people. The event took place at the nonprofit's facility at 6500 Metropolis Dr.

Even though the 35-day government shutdown that furloughed 800,000 workers nationwide — some 25,000 of them in the Austin region — ended on Jan. 25, families catching up on unpaid bills are still experiencing food shortages.

"There are a lot of people who were hit pretty hard who are hurting, and it may take a while for paychecks to catch up with them," Paul Gaither, director of marketing and communications, Central Texas Food Bank, told Patch in a telephone interview.

The daylong food distribution and resource fair staged on Wednesday marked the second time for such outreach to previously furloughed workers, Gaither said. Two weeks ago, on Jan. 16, a similar event lured 851 people representing a collective 2,800-plus people from households needing food, Gaither said.

Another food distribution in conjunction with a local food pantry took place in Temple, Texas, on Jan. 24, Gaither noted. Normally meant for military veterans in need, that distribution event served 327 heads of households — a jump from the average of 250 served — representing 953 beneficiaries.

“Even though there’s a three-week halt to the shutdown, many people are still hurting and trying to make ends meet,” Derrick Chubbs, President & CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank, said. “To help them navigate this difficult time, we decided to hold a second special distribution here. We’re glad to be able to provide help to so many of our neighbors.”

Federal employees attending the event on Wednesday received a 30-pound box of food, bread, fresh produce, and water. They were also provided with information on all the ways they can access food through the Food Bank’s network and other programs that can provide help, should they need it, officials added.

Gaither told Patch there are no immediate plans for another special food distribution event, but

officials plan to play it by ear. Until then, anyone needing assistance can access food via the food bank's network of nearly 300 partner agencies and mobile food pantry distributions throughout Central Texas. To find the nearest food distribution, those in need can visit centraltexasfoodbank.org and click on “Find Food Now” on the home page.

Gaither noted the shutdown impacted the food bank as well, putting a strain on their panoply of resources — food, money and volunteers — given the protracted nature of the shutdown. As a result, Central Food Bank officials are soliciting donations.

“I’m so happy that we’ve been able to help so many Texans affected by the shutdown,” said Mark Jackson, Chief Development Officer of the Central Texas Food Bank. “Unfortunately, all of this extra demand has strained our resources. So if you’re able to help with your donations or by volunteering at the Food Bank, please do so by going to centraltexasfoodbank.org to donate or volunteer.”

To find the nearest food pantry, click here. For those inclined to help their needy neighbors, Central Texas Food Bank officials note that a mere donation of $1 donation helps provide four meals for families in need. Click here to donate.

The recent shutdown occurred after the U.S. Congress and Donald Trump were unable to agree on an appropriations bill to fund the government for fiscal year 2019. The sticking point is Trump's demand for $5.7 billion to start building a wall along the U.S. southern border in an effort to block undocumented immigrants from entering the country.

Trump ultimately relented after what ended up being the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, with the proviso that the government could be shut down again on Feb. 15 if a budget earmark for the wall isn't approved.

ABOUT THE CENTRAL TEXAS FOOD BANK

The mission of Central Texas Food Bank is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in the fight against hunger. Founded in 1981, the Food Bank provides food and grocery products through a network of about 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 46,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, the Food Bank serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on the Food Bank and its programs, visit centraltexasfoodbank.org.

Get Patch's Daily Newsletters and Real Time Alerts

>>> Top image: Cori-Beth and Kevin, a couple from Taylor, Texas, were among those affected by the federal government shutdown who benefited from the Central Texas Food Bank offerings during a Jan. 16 food distribution event. Photo courtesy of Central Texas Food Bank, used with permission.