Unpaid federal workers in South Florida turn to food banks as shutdown drags on

Hundreds of unpaid federal employees turned to a food bank in Homestead this week, underscoring how the prolonged government shutdown is straining workers who are still expected to report to their jobs.

"It's been a test, it's been a challenge," said Sebastian Carmona.

Carmona works for the Social Security Administration office in Perrine. He and his coworkers spent their lunch break picking up free groceries for themselves and about 50 others back at the office who couldn't leave.

"We're all just together, we all know we're in the same boat. Our office demeanor hasn't changed. We're still servicing the public in the best possible way we can," Carmona said.

Food distribution reaches hundreds of families

Feeding South Florida held a food distribution event at Homestead Air Re