The Strain of the Shutdown: Federal Workers Turn to Food Banks and Loans
In an unusual turn of events, middle-class professionals in Prince George’s County, Maryland, are finding themselves in line for food assistance. This week, the Capital Area Food Bank witnessed a surprising turnout as federal workers, impacted by the government shutdown, waited for essential supplies.
Wanda Bright, a federal employee, stood in line for hours only to find the initial supply of food exhausted. Fortunately, a second truck arrived, bringing relief to Bright and others as they received bread and other essentials.
According to Bright, “A lot of us are stressed, and it takes a toll on our mental health.” She is among the estimated 700,000 furloughed federal workers nationwide who are currently without work and pay.
Payday Without Pay
This Friday, federal employees expected their paychecks, but many received nothing. Despite efforts by the Trump administration to redirect funds to pay some workers, others remain unpaid. “We got the people that we want paid, paid, OK?” President Trump stated recently.
1.4 Million Workers Without Pay
In total, about 1.4 million civilian federal employees are going without pay, with half furloughed and the other half working without pay. The financial strain is becoming more evident as the shutdown continues. Jay, a furloughed National Institutes of Health worker, shared concerns about job security and financial stability.
Community Assistance and Financial Relief
In response to the shutdown, credit unions are stepping in to provide financial aid. Veridian Credit Union has approved over $55,000 in short-term loans, while other credit unions are offering similar support. Additionally, the Community Services Agency of the Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO, is providing emergency financial assistance, although funds are quickly depleting.
Wider Economic Impact
While the shutdown may not be immediately evident to all Americans, its economic effects are spreading. Shai Akabas from the Bipartisan Policy Center notes that reduced spending by federal workers is impacting local businesses and communities.
Despite a 2019 law ensuring back pay for federal employees, President Trump recently suggested that not all furloughed workers will receive compensation, attributing the situation to actions by Democrats.
Unequal Distribution of Pay
During the shutdown, some federal employees, including those in the Department of Veterans Affairs, continue to receive their paychecks. The Trump administration has also been reallocating funds creatively to ensure pay for certain groups, such as active-duty military personnel and some Department of Homeland Security employees.
However, this has led to disparities among federal workers, with some receiving pay and others not, exacerbating the challenges faced during the ongoing shutdown.
