In the midst of the longest government shutdown in history (24 days, so far), the Ballard Food Bank is reminding furloughed workers that they can use their services. And, individual Ballard residents are offering to cook meals for affected families.
“We have no needs determination, so it’s great for people needing short-, as well as long-term help,” Ballard Food Bank worker Elizabeth Henyey posted on the My Ballard Group.
“We have a great selection of everything from pet food to flowers, meat, produce, staples, breads, desserts, dairy, baby food and supplies and personal items. This can get you through. We welcome everyone. We also have resource help for rent, utilities, legal, and health,” Henyey said. “There is plenty of food to go around.”
Another My Ballard Group member offered to personally help feed affected families. Roland Rodriguez posted the below message to the group last week:
“If any of you are federal employees not receiving a paycheck due to the government shutdown, please send me a direct message. I don’t care what your political stance is or who you voted for. My family will feed your family breakfast and lunch for as many of you as we can support as often as we can.”
Rodriguez said he had dozens of responses from those wanting to help, but as of yesterday, hadn’t heard from anyone in need.
“For those of you who believe that our community extends well beyond the borders of Ballard, I’ll reach out to you as I spread my offer further into Seattle,” Rodriguez wrote in a follow-up post. “There are plenty of families affected by this shutdown here in the Pacific Northwest, and I’m working on how best to find and direct assistance to them.”
The food bank is open Monday to Thursday; click here for hours.