From the moment he entered Kyle H-E-B Jan. 22 with a grocery list clutched in hand, Ruben made it his mission to seek every available yellow coupon he could find.

Like most families, Ruben and his wife know every little bit counts. That now means so much more for the duo who are both furloughed federal employees.

“When I was watching the news when it happened, I knew this would be different. I’m not pointing the finger at anyone. A lot of people are to blame. But we are being held ho...