We have been seeing historic numbers um been breaking records every day this week. >> People are starting to panic. There are people that, you know, they're only bringing in $1,000 a month or and they still have kids and they really don't know how they're going to make any. >> This year, everything's been so overwhelming. Um especially now with the EBT affecting us. Um groceries in in general are not the same as they used to be. And so it it's become too what do I do now? How how do I support and feed my ch ...

WIC and SNAP Program Status - The federal government shutdown is impacting WIC and SNAP benefits, which provide food for low-income families [2] - Some WIC agencies temporarily suspended operations due to lack of emergency funds, pushing families to food pantries [3] - Additional funding was provided to WIC programs, expected to last states at least another week [6] - The White House will temporarily sustain the WIC program using revenue from tariffs [6] - WIC leaders need more information about the amount and timing of available funding [7] Food Bank Challenges - Food banks are experiencing increased demand, partly due to federal cuts of $0.5 billion to food banks and agriculture programs in March [4] - Federal employees not getting paid are also contributing to the increased demand on food banks [4] - The government shutdown is expediting the increase in demand, potentially exceeding food bank capacity [5] - A prolonged shutdown could dramatically increase the level of need [5] Impact on Families - Nearly 7 million people in the US rely on the WIC program [1] - Families are visiting food banks for the first time [1] - Families are relying on food banks to supplement food needs due to disruptions in WIC and SNAP [3] - Even a week without a paycheck can cause families to need food bank services [5]

Right now, 42,000 federal workers at the USDA are in limbo, and so are the crucial programs they manage, which feed more than 41 million Americans a month. The government shutdown means half of the agriculture department staff is furled, while future funding is uncertain for critical federal assistance programs like SNAP, food stamps, and wick, which provides food and support to mothers and babies. Joining me now, Ellen May, a furled federal worker and chapter president of the NTEU chapter 255.Ellen, I want ...