Approximately 800,000 federal government employees are going without paychecks as a result of the government shutdown, which has temporarily rendered them jobless or forced them to work without pay.
South Antelope Valley Emergency Services, a food pantry in Palmdale, will help during this time of need, according to Patricia Morales, the SAVES coordinator.
“We are here to help people with emergency services,” Morales said recently. “If a person is affected by the government shutdown and in need of food, (he or she) can come to SAVES.” People “can come and get a food order once a week. We have a lot of produce, meat, bread, pastries, canned goods.”
Quantities depend on what SAVES receives from its partners and vendors, including Trader Joe’s, Target, Food 4 Less, Sam’s Club and Walmart.
Clients are welcome to shop in the pantry in the back and the amount of food they can take varies with the number of people living in the household.
They do need to show proof of federal employment, or government identification. They also need proof of identification for everyone living in the home, including school IDs or medical cards for children in the family, plus a one-page application with basic information and proof of address with a gas or electric bill.
Morales said they should call 661-267-5191 to make an appointment as a first-time client in order to avoid delays. Call between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. SAVES is closed on Fridays.
Hours for getting food are 9 a.m. to noon, and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday. SAVES is located at 1002 East Avenue Q-12, Palmdale.