Bend food pantries see influx of government employees

Federal employees in Central Oregon are feeling the effects of the partial government shutdown — so much so that some say they’re having to visit food banks.

Officials at St. Vincent de Paul said Tuesday the food pantry typically provides meals for 35 to 40 households a day. But now it’s up to 50 or 60 households a day.

The organization’s director, Jordan Reeher, said he can’t blame the government shutdown on the increase entirely. But he said the food pantry has definitely seen quite a few government employees make their first visit to a food pantry.

“Specifically with this government shutdown, we are allowing any furloughed employee to come in, regardless of how much you made before, because everyone is going to need support until the government reopens,” Reeher said.

Along with seeing an increase in visitors, St. Vincent de Paul is seeing fewer government food donations. And if the shutdown continues, the pantry will have to increasingly rely on donations from individuals.

St. Vincent de Paul volunteers and employees want everyone to know that they are always appreciative of volunteers and donations.

Reeher said he also wants people to know they’ll receive no judgment if they need help.

“There’s no shame at all in asking for help and needing to get a little bit of assistance, because everyone goes through these hard times when they need extra assistance, when they need extra support,” he said. “And that’s why we’re here, to help people through the low times.”

St. Vincent de Paul said anyone is welcome, and if you are a government employee, it doesn’t matter how much you made before the shutdown to get help.

St. Vincent de Paul of Bend is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Mondays to Thursdays. Food assistance can also be found at The Giving Plate and The Salvation Army.