By Ruichen Feng (CYOC Reporting Team) | Photography: CYOC Volunteers
Rockville, MD, November 2, 2025 — As the U.S. federal government shutdown extends beyond one month, many federal employees in the Washington metropolitan area are struggling to make ends meet. With two consecutive missed paychecks and rising living costs, families across the DMV region are facing growing financial hardship, including concerns about putting food on the table.
Recognizing this urgent need, So What Else (SWE)—one of Montgomery County’s largest nonprofit food banks—quickly launched a special relief initiative to support federal employees and contractors affected by the shutdown. In addition to hosting weekly food distributions every Wednesday at 6011 Executive Blvd, Rockville, SWE organized a large-scale Federal Employee Food Distribution Day on Sunday, November 2, at its main warehouse located at 4924 Wyaconda Road, Rockville.
The event drew nearly 600 federal employees and their families, who received fresh groceries, pantry staples, and essential household supplies. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the distribution center was filled with energy and compassion as SWE staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure every family left supported. Local restaurants and community partners also joined hands to provide additional resources and warm meals, demonstrating the community’s spirit of solidarity during this difficult time.
Among the many volunteers was the Capital Youth Outreach Club (CYOC)—one of the largest Asian-American youth-led nonprofit volunteer organizations in the greater Washington area. In response to SWE’s call, CYOC quickly mobilized nearly 30 youth volunteers to assist throughout the day, covering shifts from morning to afternoon. The young volunteers took on a variety of critical roles, including traffic coordination, food packaging, grocery distribution, and site cleanup. Their dedication and teamwork ensured the event ran efficiently and with care.
In just one day, the food drive delivered essential groceries and heartfelt support to more than 500 federal employees and their families impacted by the furlough. The event stood as a testament to the power of unity and compassion, showing that when communities come together with purpose and care, we can ease hardship and bring hope to those who need it most.
Website Editor: Grace Yan
华府青年 CYOC 
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