Food bank opens emergency pantry for federal employees

Many federal employees are still playing catchup after the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history ended on Jan. 25.

To help ease the stress, the Yuba-sutter Food Bank will be opening an emergency food pantry to assist federal employees who have been impacted by closures.

“The residents of Yuba-sutter who are dependent upon federal pay are undergoing a great deal of stress right now,” said Joanne Ellis, Yuba-sutter Food Bank executive director. “In order to stave off food insecurity, we are offering a food pantry to assist those families meet their basic food needs.”

The emergency food pantry will be open every Friday from 10 a.m. through noon beginning Feb. 22.

Ellis said the emergency pantry will be open for a three-month period with the possibility of extended services if there is a continued need after that time.

With the Feb. 15 deadline for lawmakers and President Trump to agree on a spending bill, another shutdown is possible.

“With the possibility of closure and the fact that some of the federal employees have still not received back pay, providing extra food will minimize their worries regarding food insecurity,” Ellis said.

Pre-packed canned items, fresh produce, dairy items including milk and yogurt, bottled water, fresh pasta, and proteins such as meat and eggs will be available to pick up at the Yuba-sutter Food Bank located at 760 Stafford Way in Yuba City.

Listings of additional resources offered in Yuba-sutter will also be available during that time as well.

“We are preparing for that possibility and stand ready to serve our federal employees, just as we are serving our newly relocated Camp Fire families,” Ellis said.

To receive items from the food bank, proof of Federal employment status and residency in Yuba County or Sutter County must be presented.

For more information about the emergency food pantry, contact the Yubasutter Food Bank at 673-3834.

llowe@appealdemocrat.com