Federal workers affected by the government shutdown now qualify for food assistance from local nonprofit Boca Helping Hands (BHH).
As the federal government shutdown passes the three-week mark—the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history—more than 7,000 federal employees in Palm Beach County are without pay.
“We thought about the federal workers being on leave and many of them would earn more money than would allow them to qualify for our programs, but with no paycheck, we feel like we can get them help,” says BHH Executive Director Andrew Hagen.
Federal employees can qualify for assistance through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), a federal program that provides free food to low-income individuals and households.
“TEFAP has an income guideline, a poverty level guideline, but we feel like if they’re not getting a check, then their income is zero at this moment, so they’re welcome,” says Hagen.
Furloughed employees or those working without pay can visit any Boca Helping Hands location and pick up a pantry bag that includes fresh bread, rolls, pasta, beans, canned goods, as well as produce and frozen meats. They will be registered while in line and must bring a valid government ID or proof of federal employment. Through Oct. 31, federal employees can also register for the Thanksgiving Box Brigade program at any BHH pantry bag pick-up location. The Thanksgiving Box includes a turkey and fixings. Hagen says that assistance will remain available to federal employees for the duration of the shutdown.
“Missing a paycheck is huge,” says Hagen. “Missing two paychecks is frightening, so we’ll be here for them.”
For more information, contact the Boca Helping Hands front desk at 561/417-0913. For more information about Boca Helping Hands or to make a donation, click here.
