Jewish Family Service of San Diego offers food assistance for furloughed workers and their families hit by the federal government shutdown now through the end of the closure, the nonprofit organization announced Jan. 21.

“As a community with a lot of federal government employees and contractors, plus multiple military bases, we are committed to stepping up our food assistance efforts to help furloughed or unpaid workers during these challenging times,” Jewish Family Service CEO Michael Hopkins said in a news release. “By offering supplemental groceries, we hope to ease the burden for affected workers and their families.”

Supplemental groceries, including non-perishables and produce, are available to furloughed employees every Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus, 8788 Balboa Ave. in Kearny Mesa, until the shutdown ends. Those seeking food assistance must bring federal or contractor identification, or a CAC card.

In announcing the food assistance program, Jewish Family Service cited statistics from Rep. Scott Peters (D-52nd District) stating that there about 5,000 furloughed federal workers and contractors in San Diego County.

“Many of these families are not as familiar with how to navigate food assistance networks and other public benefits programs,” Hopkins said in Jewish Family Service’s announcement.

Now more than a month, the federal government shutdown is the longest such closure in U.S. history.

“This could have significant short- and long-term impacts especially with low-income families and those already struggling with making ends meet,” Hopkins said.

More information: Go online to www.jfssd.org or call 858-637-3210.