HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Volunteers with Fort Care will be distributing dozens of pallets of free food to military families on Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. on Fort Campbell during their Honor Package Grocery Giveaway.
While the nonprofit regularly organizes these food distributions for military families, soldiers, and veterans, they moved up plans for their next giveaway to further assist people amid the government shutdown that was initiated on Oct. 1. The shutdown impacts federal workers across the country including 30,000 Fort Campbell soldiers and 8,500 civilian employees.
“We are just wanting to help through this transition,” said Fort Care founder Ron Fahy. “We are doing what’s necessary to be a support and a blessing by honoring the soldiers and veterans for their service along with the military families to try and be positive in the midst of stressful times.”
Fort Campbell soldiers did end up receiving their regular mid-month paycheck amid the shutdown as the Secretary of War was told to use available funds for active duty and reserve member pay. However, uncertainty remains for a lot of families about inconsistencies with payroll.
A variety of food will be available, with boxes loaded directly into vehicles by over 50 volunteers. Available groceries include items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner including meat, drinks, water, baby food, snacks, and more. Despite the sudden switch of date from their projected November giveaway, Fahy has already secured 25 pallets of food, with even more expected to arrive before Thursday.
Food will be available on a first come, first serve basis starting at 1 p.m. at Fryar Stadium. Families can drive through and will be loaded with groceries without having to exit the vehicle.
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