An autumn drizzle blankets the ponderosa pine forests just south of Grand Canyon National Park.

But inside Tusayan’s Plaza Bonita restaurant, federal workers and their families are cast in a warm light as they chow down on fried chicken and tamales, chips and salsa.

The free meal, hosted by the Grand Canyon Conservancy, is a welcome change of pace for the federal workers, many of whom only returned to work earlier this month after the longest-ever government shutdown.

“This is one way for us to show our support when the community has really been suffering,” says Grand Canyon Conservancy CEO Elizabeth Silkes.

The conservancy is the non-profit partner of the park.

The events have taken place throughout November and are open to residents of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village regardless of

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