TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — As a resolution to the longest standing government shutdown heads to the house, communities across the country are struggling. Tonight at the Troy YWCA, the gymnasium will be filled with people from across the community, coming together for a warm meal, and a moment of relief.

These meals are all made possible by the dedicated and helping hands in the kitchen, including one woman, who knows the struggle of food insecurity firsthand.

“Every little thing counts,” said Angela, a volunteer cook. “We’ll get through this. I know it’s hard, I know it’s scary, but we will.”

Angela is a SNAP recipient herself, yet every Tuesday, starting at six in the morning, she’s cooking for others. She continues to prove that even in hard times, compassion can be the most powerful ingredient. 

“My mother always said I live through my food, a lot of people say that, I show love through my food,” Angela added.

For Angela, helping others is like second nature, and she wants elected officials to know that behind every policy, and paycheck delay, people are hurting.

“They just have to remember the little people are hurting,” Angela explained. “So whatever you are thinking, whatever you’re trying to get across to each other, you’re really hurting small communities like this one.”

Angela and Sherry cook together weekly. They said in recent weeks, the turnout has grown drastically, and so have the heartbreaking stories.

“A man came in and said that since the government shut them down he can’t work,” said Sherry. “He’d never been to a food pantry his whole entire life. Now he has to come in and depend on the food that we give him, and so does his family.” 

Sherry and Angela also noted the emotional impact that comes from witnessing the community in crisis.

“I would hate to see kids go hungry, I would hate to see kids going to school with no meal,” Angela stated.

Sherry echoed similar concerns.

“I will not see a child go hungry,” Sherry asserted. “I can’t, I have grandkids. I will feed them before I feed myself.”

Yet in the midst of uncertainty, Angela and Sherry continue to show that sometimes community is the strongest safety net of all.

“If you need clothes you can come here, if you need Pampers you can come here,” Angela noted. “If we all pull together, we’ll get through this.”

The Troy YWCA hosts community meals every Tuesday from five to six p.m. Those interested in donating food, or their time, are encouraged to reach out. The YWCA has also extended their food pantry hours, which are listed below.

• Monday – 1:00 – 4:00 PM and 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• Tuesday – 1:00 – 4:00 PM
• Wednesday – 1:00 – 4:00 PM and 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• Thursday – 1:00 – 4:00 PM
• Friday – 1:00 – 4:00 PM
• Saturday – Appointments Only
• Sunday – Closed