Howard County Offering Free Food To Federal Workers

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — With more than 10 percent of residents in Howard County affected by the government shutdown, the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services is taking action. The department will be giving away a bag of grocery items each week to those with proof of government ID.

"As the federal shutdown continues, we recognize the increasing hardships furloughed employees are facing," Director of Community Resources and Services Jackie Scott said in a statement. "We are committed to supporting Howard County families in any way that we can."

Families of furloughed employees can pick up a bag of groceries on a first-come, first-served basis every Friday starting Jan. 25. The free food distribution will continue until the end of the government shutdown, according to a statement from Howard County.

"This history-making shutdown of the federal government is directly impacting one in ten residents of Howard County," County Executive Calvin Ball said in a statement.

"Sadly, without their paychecks, some families now cannot even afford groceries," Ball said. "Everything we can do, we will do to help them. It is imperative that the president and the Congress act immediately and return these hard-working public servants to their jobs.

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The food distribution initiative will be aided by the Howard County Office of Sustainability's Roving Radish program.

Weekly food distribution will be Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bain Center, 5470 Ruth Keeton Way, in Columbia. A valid government ID is required.

Image via Shutterstock.