LEE COUNTY, Fla. — Local food banks and pantries are preparing to meet increased demand as the government shutdown continues, with shelves stocked and ready to support those affected.
Richard LeBer, president and CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank, said, “We are doing everything we can to economize on our sourcing of food and stretch our dollars as far as we possibly can.”
Leber noted that during the 2018 government shutdown, they saw an increase in demand for food assistance, especially from Transportation Security Administration employees who had to work without pay.
“Last time around, we mounted mobile pantry distributions at the airport about once a week to help them through this crisis, and we will probably do the same this time around,” Leber said.
