Government shutdown forces families to find alternative food sources

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- As the federal government shutdown continues, local organizations are stepping up to help military families and federal employees struggling to make ends meet.

Every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., volunteers at the Jewish Family Service of San Diego distribute free food to families in need through a drive-thru pickup program. Since the start of the shutdown, organizers say demand has surged.

“It’s really important to help out our local community,” said volunteer Katie Wu, who spent her afternoon bagging and packing groceries. “If I have a couple hours in my day, why not, right?”

Each family receives about 40 pounds of food — including fresh fruits, vegetables and canned goods — all donated by partners such as the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego.

“I have a family of my own,” said volunteer Tanya, who asked to be identified by first name only. “I experienced food insecurity in the past, so it’s very close to my heart.”

For the past four weeks, the nonprofit has shifted part of its focus to serve those directly affected by the shutdown — from federal employees to contractors and military families.

“So anyone who is impacted could be federal employees, military families, contractors, civilian workers — just anybody affected by this,” said Tom Stewart of Jewish Family Service.

Stewart said the organization has seen a 42% increase in families using the drive-thru service in the past week.

“As the weeks have gone on, we’ve seen more and more folks showing up as first or second paychecks are missed,” he said. “This week may be the first time some employees miss an entire paycheck.”

According to the Federal Reserve Bank, roughly 46,000 San Diegans hold civilian federal jobs, and there are about 100,000 active-duty military members in the area.

“They have good-paying jobs,” Stewart said. “They just find themselves at a point where they need to ask for help — unsure if they’ll make rent, pay the bills or take care of their children.”

Over the past month, Jewish Family Service has provided an estimated 5,700 meals to about 1,000 families — a number that continues to grow each week.

For volunteers like Wu, giving back is about more than food.

“The more important it is to support local community resources,” she said. “You never know if one day you might be on the receiving end.”