Furloughed federal works head to Barclays Center for support

January 24, 2019 By Andy Katz Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Federal workers on furlough receive support from Food Bank of NYC workers inside Barclays Center. Eagle phots by Andy Katz

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As the unprecedented government shutdown enters its second month, leaving nearly one million federal employees without paychecks, furloughed federal employees found a resource for support at Barclays Center on Tuesday.

An event, called “Rise Up for the Shutdown,” handed out food and supplies to those affected by the shutdown. The gathering was sponsored by the Food Bank for New York City, BSE Global and Stop & Shop.

“We partner with Food Bank for New York City all the time,” said Carlos Ramos, Stop & Shop district director. “So it was natural for us to get together with them for a cause as worthwhile as this.”

The grocery chain also donated $10,000 cash to Rise Up for the Shut Down.

“It’s fantastic,” said Antoinette Williams, a furloughed employee of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as she perused the tables containing proteins, milk, dry goods, produce and sundries.

Asked if she’d been ordered back to work for no pay as some workers reportedly have been, Williams sighed: “Not yet,” she said.

Amelia Williams, a furloughed TSA employee, speaks to broadcast media.

Eligible federal workers were asked to show ID upon entering the center’s main entrance. After signing in, they received free tickets to upcoming BSE games.

“It was our way of saying thanks,” said BSE Senior Director of Community Relations Heather Hall. “We wanted to emphasize that this wasn’t charity but rather an expression of gratitude on the part of the community.”

A solitary table offered “additional assistance” that included tax preparation and application for SNAP benefits (formerly called food stamps) to those eligible.

“We reached out to our partners because we recognized the need,” said Francisco Tezen, development director at the Food Bank for New York City. “We also recognize the stigma associated with needing support. So we’re using locations like Barclay’s Center — where people might have caught a game once, had a good time … We’re still learning. For example, what’s the best location, what’s the best time of day, what products in particular? We’re trying to figure out the precise needs of each family here.”

“Everything is so expensive in New York City, especially food,” said furloughed TSA employee Amelia Williams. “These things really help everyone.”

Potential recipients can keep track of Rise Up For The Shut Down by following Food Bank For NYC’s WWW site www.foodbanknyc.org/shutdown.