CARTERET COUNTY, N.C. -- Five weeks into a partial government shutdown, Morehead City is stepping up to help those who are missing paychecks.

• Dank Burrito is serving meals at half-price to members of the Coast Guard and NOAA
• Management said customers are paying it forward by buying a gift card and leaving it at the register to feed a family in need.
• Management said since they began the promotion about a week ago they have seen an average of 50 Coast Guard families a day.

A local food truck turned restaurant called Dank Burrito is serving meals at half-price to members of the Coast Guard and NOAA. 

The promotion is inspiring the restaurant's patrons to also do their part. Management said customers are paying it forward by buying a gift card and leaving it at the register to feed a family in need.

Morehead City regular Keith Beasley said he is not surprised the community is trying to help.

"We need to support our military anyway," said Beasley. "But when you see them come together in a shutdown like this without pay and stuff, it's good to see the community help them out."

Management said since they began the promotion about a week ago they have seen an average of 50 Coast Guard families a day.