DPS staff see the faces of hunger at school, the financial strain also hits their homes

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- It's another day in the kitchen at Hillside High School, and this time, every hour feels like it's adding up for cafeteria manager Angelique Parkstone.

"Everybody is worried about money," Parkstone said.

As of November, North Carolina still hasn't passed its budget, and the ongoing government shutdown is bringing new worries.

"There's still a lot of concerns," Parkstone said. "We have a lot of kids that come in and they're hungry."

School meals are free to Durham Public Schools students, but with the SNAP benefits uncertainty, Parkstone said she's worried about how it'll impact her staff.

Her staff prepares breakfast and lunch, serving about 700 meals to students at Hillside High School and at neighboring schools.

"I just have to do what I got to do," Charlene Payton said.

Payton, who works two jobs, is feeling the financial strain.

"That's my main issue, a raise," Payton said. "It's very important. I wouldn't have to work two jobs."

Despite the challenges, Payton shows up to work hoping for a silver lining.

"I love the kids, I really do," Payton said. "That's what makes me come back, is the kids."