Food Banks

SAN FRANCISCO - JUNE 23:  A donation bin sits near shelves with canned foods at the San Francisco Food Bank June 23, 2008 in San Francisco, California. With schools breaking for summer vacation and food costs skyrocketing, food banks are bracing for a record number of cash strapped families seeking meals as children will not be getting free meals from school during the summer break. Food banks across the U.S. are seeking increased donations as they face major shortages in food donations from manufacturers and wholesalers and a decrease in federal funding, while the demand for food handouts are increasing.  (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

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SAN FRANCISCO – JUNE 23: A donation bin sits near shelves with canned foods at the San Francisco Food Bank June 23, 2008 in San Francisco, California. With schools breaking for summer vacation and food costs skyrocketing, food banks are bracing for a record number of cash strapped families seeking meals as children will not be getting free meals from school during the summer break. Food banks across the U.S. are seeking increased donations as they face major shortages in food donations from manufacturers and wholesalers and a decrease in federal funding, while the demand for food handouts are increasing. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Emma Maynard, Editor

The government shutdown has been the longest shutdown in American history; many Americans were without pay for thirty-five days. While the shutdown was recently lifted by President Trump, many people are still waiting for their paychecks, and they have to find their food at food banks that are provided by citizens of local areas. The food banks are full of essentials such as milk, eggs, and bread; it also has canned fish and canned meats. People donate their food, whether it be leftovers or simply some that they don’t need, and by donating they help many people get through the week.

The people had to have food banks in order to supply themselves and their families during the weeks of the government shutdown. There are other means of support to help the community; if people are tight on money they have local stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army. Both of the stores offer good clothing as well as shoes at reasonable prices for people who cannot afford expensive items. People donate their outgrown clothes or unwanted clothes in order to help others in need. 

One of the most common food banks is God’s Pantry, which is located in Winchester, KY. They have many different food products, and they have a bit of everything for everyone. It is convenient on pricing, and it’s near an area that many people can access. Many people are able to buy the necessary items from God’s Pantry so they can get through their week. Another local food bank would be the Kentucky Association of Food Banks, which provides all the essentials as well.

Food banks are an important thing in America. Without them, many Americans wouldn’t be able to manage their day to day lives or support themselves. Although not everyone uses these stores, they’re open to everyone at all days of the week. With or without the government shutdown, the food banks are always there for families who are low on income at the moment or people who would just like a nice deal on certain items without having to worry about the expenses.