The Brief
- The ongoing government shutdown is causing uncertainty for federal workers regarding their paychecks, increasing reliance on already strained food banks.
- Seattle’s Food Lifeline is using reserve funds to set up emergency distribution sites for federal workers, as demand exceeds supply due to inflation and pandemic-related shortages.
- The shutdown affects federal workers, military members, seniors, and contractors, with potential impacts on programs like WIC and SNAP; community support is needed to address food insecurity.
SEATTLE – As the government shutdown entered its ninth day, with no end in sight, uncertainty immediately sank in for federal workers and their families.
Many people affected by the shutdown don’t know when they will receive their paycheck. Some workers may soon have to make the tough decision to either pay bills or put food on the table.
According to Feeding America, many Americans are a single-missed paycheck away from needing support from their local food banks. The nonprofit said, “A prolonged shutdown will deepen the strain, and more families will seek help at a time when food banks are already stretched due to sustained high need.”…