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President Obama Visits Martha’s Table to Thank Furloughed Workers

October 15, 2013 at 3:55 PM ET by Nathaniel Lubin

Summary:

On Monday, the President traveled to Martha’s Table, a local food pantry, to thank the many furloughed federal employees who have spent time during the government shutdown volunteering for charities and non-profits. While there, he joined volunteers and helped prepare food for the pantry and called on Congress to set aside their partisan demands and let these furloughed employees return to work.

On Monday, the President traveled to Martha’s Table, a local food pantry, to thank the many furloughed federal employees who have spent time during the government shutdown volunteering for charities and non-profits. In a brief statement, he lauded their commitment to public service, noting: “They're here contributing and giving back to the community, and I think that shows the kind of spirit that we have among all kinds of federal workers all across the country -- people who dedicate their lives to public service.”

President Obama making sandwiches at Martha's Table

While there, the President joined volunteers and helped prepare food for the pantry. He spent some time with a few elementary school students working alongside furloughed federal employees, making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for Americans who are in need of a helping hand.

With the shutdown dragging into its third week, it’s time to let these furloughed employees return to work. In the President’s words:

This week if we don’t start making some real progress, both the House and the Senate and if Republicans aren’t willing to set aside their partisan concerns in order to do what’s right for the country, we stand a good chance of defaulting and defaulting could have a potentially have a devastating effect on our economy.

Martha’s Table has been serving the DC community for over 30 years. The organization helps more than 1,100 people per day obtain healthy food and needed clothing, daycare and after-school programs, and other family support services. To learn more about them, you can visit their website at marthastable.org.