Chautauqua County RSVP volunteer Jack Kachermeyer pictured Wednesday at the Salvation Army in Jamestown for a special food distribution. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

A special food distribution by the Food Bank of WNY was held Wednesday at the Jamestown Salvation Army. It was one of five such distributions planned for families impacted by the ongoing government shutdown.

In Jamestown, a line formed behind the Salvation Army prior to the 10 a.m. distribution scheduled to last two hours.

Elizabeth Lopez, emergency basic needs supervisor of the Salvation Army, said the event was for furloughed workers and those with self-declared needs. Lopez said many of those who attended Wednesday were out of a job due to the government shutdown. However, anyone who turned up was given assistance after showing photo identification.

“It’s self-declared needs,” Lopez said. “So if you present today you’re gonna leave with food.”

More than a dozen volunteers helped distribute a variety of foods, including potatoes, chicken and canned goods. All told, a little over 9,000 pounds of food from the food bank was on hand for the special distribution.

Marla Ryan of the Food Bank of WNY to promote healthy eating options with the food distributed Wednesday. P-J photo by Eric Tichy

“We’re hoping people utilize services such as this,” Lopez said. “We’re hoping that people utilize this and the food truck that’s happening on the (Jan. 30) along with the regular pantry.”