Food Bank of the Rockies is stepping up distributions as federal government workers affected by the partial shutdown face their first Friday without a paycheck.
"Federal employees have been tremendous partners, supporting our mission for many years," Michelle Barnes, Food Bank of the Rockies' interim CEO, said in a statement this week. "Now it's our turn to help these families. Those affected by the shutdown are encouraged to seek assistance. No one should go hungry during this unexpected crisis."
Food Bank spokeswoman Janie Gianotsos added in an email that you don't need to be a federal employee to get food.
"We know more than just federal employees are affected by the shutdown," she said.
The main regional food bank said nonperishable and fresh items will be available and directed the needy to check for distributions at hundreds of pantries in its database. It also was adding emergency distribution centers in the Denver area:
-Friday, Jan. 11 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City;
-Saturday, Jan. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Food Bank of the Rockies warehouse, 10700 E 45th Ave, Denver;
-Friday, Jan. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 24hour Fitness, 12039 W. Alameda Parkway, Lakewood.
More emergency sites may be added if the shutdown continues, the bank added, saying its website would have updates.
The partial government shutdown was in its 19th day Wednesday. President Donald Trump and lawmakers are at an impasse on funding the government over his demands for a border wall following Trump's rejection of a bipartisan spending bill late in December.
