Union members in Washington, D.C., have set up a food pantry to help people affected by the ongoing government shutdown, which has now lasted more than 30 days. With federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding running out, the pantry is providing canned goods to the public and collecting donations for local food banks. These efforts are aimed at supporting laid-off federal workers, including some who are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) and NFFE-IAM.
The food banks receiving support are serving not only union members but also other federal employees impacted by the shutdown. This initiative comes as concerns grow about how long federal aid programs like SNAP can continue without additional government funding.
