Rochester businesses, nonprofits rally around federal workers affected by shutdown

As many federal workers continue to remain on the job without pay, some Rochester businesses are stepping up to help those impacted by the partial government shutdown — now the longest in the nation’s history.

Pasquale’s restaurant has been delivering pizza around the clock to government employees at the Federal Medical Center and the Rochester International Airport, while Great Harvest Bread Company has been keeping a shelf stocked for workers affected by the partisan standoff.

“I’ve been feeling down about all the negativity regarding Government Shutdown and people not getting paid,” the owner of Great Harvest in Rochester wrote on Facebook. “Although it’s a small gesture, I am inviting furloughed gov’t employees or anyone else in need to come grab a free loaf.”

Meantime, the not-for-profit community is also doing what they can to help out the estimated 1,600 federal workers in southeast Minnesota. Over the weekend, the group CAKE — Caring Acts of Kindness Everywhere — held a pair of donation drives to collect food and other essential items for employees and their families. Channel One Regional Food Bank has also put out an announcement stating they stand ready to help out.

Of course, unless you have been hibernating under a rock at Quarry Hill for the past few weeks, you know the shutdown is a result of a stalemate between President Trump and Congressional Democrats over the president’s desire to build a $5.7 billion wall along the southern border. As of this writing, there appears to be no end in sight.

“Our paychecks are being used as pawns in somebody’s game,” William Axford, an employee Federal Medical Center, recently told reporters. “That needs to stop.”

Cover photo: Screenshot courtesy Pasquale’s Facebook page