Michael Adkison/Houston Public Media

When Tracey Porter arrived at Houston ISD's Barnett Stadium on Wednesday to receive free groceries, it wasn't an easy task. But she didn't have much of a choice — she hadn't received a paycheck in weeks.

She’s also coping with two types of cancer, she said.

"This is horribly embarrassing," Porter said. "I didn’t set myself up for this. ... I’m normally the one that donates. I’ve always been that person that will eat canned goods, or whatever is asked. And now I’m in this line. It took a lot."

Sitting in her black SUV, Porter, who said she works for the FBI, was in one car among hundreds. The Houston Food Bank had arranged this food drive specifically for federal workers, most of whom have missed their last paycheck in full as well as another one i

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