Shipyard workers and others seek food, fuel aid during shutdown

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A U.S. government shutdown has forced some Portsmouth Naval Shipyard civilian employees to seek help from local food pantries.

Most of the shipyard's workforce is required to work without pay during the shutdown, causing financial strain.

Local social service agencies report an increase in calls for food, rent, and heating assistance since the shutdown began.

Union leaders state the situation is an "attack on working families" and that workers are struggling to afford gas and child care.

KITTERY, Maine — Some Portsmouth Naval Shipyard civilian employees have turned to Footprints food pantry and the Mainspring social services collective since the Oct. 1 start of the U.S. government shutdown .

Yard workers have inquired about food and fuel assistance in the tw