Dearest reader,
This is typically a space where I talk about education, mental health, wellness, and other topics similar to those. As many of you know, I am a member of the military community as a military spouse to an active duty Navy submariner.
As I write this, the United States government is on day 29 of a government shutdown, officially making it the second longest so far in history.
With no official legislation or law requiring that the military continue to get paid amid the shutdown, it has shifted a lot in our community this past month, and needless to say, families are concerned with whether they will be able to put food on the table should a paycheck not come through.
Furthermore, many federal workers have already missed a full paycheck.
The pantry on my base alone has seen a large uptick in the number of families accessing support during this time.
Now is as good a time as ever to share resources, in the event that this shutdown continues. Below are:
3 Resources for DC/DMV area military and federal worker families in need
3 Resources available all over to military and federal worker families in need
3 Ways to Help Regardless of Who You Are
3 Resources for DC/DMV area military and federal worker families in need
➡️ 1) JBAB Top 3 Food Pantry, in DC, located on JBAB – Military
Open Tuesday and Thursday from 10-2, and also the 4th Saturday of the month.
Anyone with a government ID who has base access is welcome.
Anyone can donate by buying items off the pantry’s Amazon wishlist here.
➡️ 2) Capital Area Food Bank – Federal Workers + Military
Follow their social media to track where you can get food in the DMV! It’s open to federal workers and military personnel, and families.
➡️ 3) Arlington Food Assistance Center – Anyone Who Needs Help
In Arlington, VA, just outside of DC, anyone in need can get food assistance. Their distribution hours are at the bottom of their home page, in the link above.
3 Resources available all over to military and federal worker families in need
➡️ 1) Stronghold Food Pantry
Their mission is, “To serve American military families facing food insecurity with care and dignity by providing food, necessities, and resources whenever and wherever they are needed.”. With ambassadors all over, check out their website to discover if there’s access in the area where you live.
➡️ 2) Military Family Advisory Network
They are providing timely updates about the shutdown and how it’s impacting the military community. They are also actively working on sending more grocery boxes to service member families in need.
➡️ 3) Short-term 0% Interest Loans*
This one I am suggesting with a grain of salt, so take it or leave it! Some banks, like USAA and NavyFed, are offering 0% interest loans to qualifying members. There are terms, there are conditions, and I will say, I’ve heard there seem to be more complications during this shutdown. Do your homework, check your options, and then apply if you feel like it’s what is best for your family to have pay coverage in case your pay has paused, or if it pauses!
3 Ways to Help Regardless of Who You Are
➡️ 1) Check on your neighbors
Call. Stop by. Knock on their doors. Check in with your neighbors. A lot of people are impacted right now, and it starts with asking what people need most.
➡️ 2) Donate where you can
Yes, food donations are great when requested, but in a lot of instances, giving money can go a lot further when giving to local pantries and organizations.
➡️ 3) Give your time
Check with your local pantry, church, or other organizations. Some places even allow you to bring responsible teenagers (if you have kids) to come with you.
The point is, you do not have to be a millionaire to make a difference. Every gift of time, energy, and checking in with your neighbors matters.
Your friend,
Vimbo
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Vimbo Watson, M.Ed. is a speaker, professional development provider, education expert, former school principal, and national speaker on school culture, burnout recovery, and transformational leadership. She is also an active Navy spouse, named the AFI 2025 Washington Navy Yard Spouse of the Year. She helps educators, companies, and organizations build better systems where people don’t just survive—they thrive. Email hello@vimbowatson.com to connect!
