JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — As the federal government shutdown stretches into its 14th day, the effects are being felt far beyond Washington. Here on the First Coast, families are lining up at food banks, worried about missed paychecks and how they’ll make ends meet.
Feeding Northeast Florida, one of the region’s largest food banks, said the number of families seeking help has doubled since the shutdown began.
At Bethany Ministries Church in Jacksonville, families like Darryl Jackson’s waited in line for a food drive this week. While Darryl said he isn't effected by the shutdown, he said access food drives like this are important for families who are dealing with the shutdown.
“Just taking advantage of God’s blessings,” Jackson said. “We’re a family of five. We work hard, we’re blue-collar wor