PINE BLUFF, Ark. – On Thursday, many employees lined up to get groceries at a food giveaway in Jefferson County after the county government shutdown following disagreements over a budget during quorum court meetings.
Since the shutdown began, hundreds of the county’s employees have been left without a paycheck.
Debra Allen is the director of First Ward Living Grace Food Pantry and said hundreds of employees and their families came to the food giveaway. Allen said that she received help from the Arkansas Food bank and many restaurants in the area that helped feed families.
“I’m just shocked with how everyone stepped up and gave them groceries and hot meals,” Allen said.
Christopher Mack Jr. works at the Sixth Division Circuit Court and says he and many other employees needed the help.
“I haven’t been able to go to the store and get groceries so this will help out a whole lot,” Mack said.
Debra Gracie said she has worked in the county’s courthouse for over 20 years and never thought she would be in this situation.
“I hate to say it, but I may have to file bankruptcy. I mean it’s sad, I have bills that are past due, I have bills coming up, it’s very stressful,” Gracie said.
“It’s hard as a mother because kids like what they like and it’s hard going to the store and you have to shop on a budget so you can try to make ends meet until we get paid,” county dispatcher Roxannette Reed said.
Many hope a budget will finally be passed and they can start being paid again.
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