As the federal government shutdown extends into its fifth week, hundreds of thousands of federal workers across the United States are grappling with severe financial strain, forcing many to seek assistance from food banks to feed their families. The shutdown, which began on October 1 due to a political impasse over healthcare funding and other policy priorities, has left 1.4 million federal employees without pay, including 670,000 furloughed workers and 730,000 who continue to work without compensation. In Queens, New York, long lines of federal workers formed outside a church on October 28, waiting to collect basic produce like peppers, onions, and carrots from the Food Bank For New York City. Among them was Jacquelin, a federal employee who tearfully shared her struggles, including the inability to celebrate her daughter’s birthday or afford basic meals. Christina Dechabert, a Transportation Security Administration employee at JFK Airport, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration at having to dip into savings meant for retirement to cover daily expenses. The crisis has also impacted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with November benefits delayed for over 40 million Americans, deepening food insecurity nationwide. Legal battles have ensued, with dozens of states suing the Trump administration over the SNAP cuts, while federal judges ruled on October 31 that SNAP funding must continue during the shutdown. Economically, the shutdown is projected to cause significant losses, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating a permanent $7 billion hit to the U.S. economy if it ends this week, and up to $14 billion if it extends through November 26. The travel industry is also suffering, with national parks partially closed and airports experiencing delays due to staffing shortages. While federal workers will receive backpay once the government reopens, contractors face permanent losses. Economists warn that the shutdown disproportionately affects lower-income Americans, exacerbating inequality and eroding trust in the political system. As negotiations remain stalled in Washington, the human toll of the shutdown continues to grow, with federal workers bearing the brunt of the crisis.