UPDATE: Military families are facing an urgent crisis as a prolonged government shutdown forces many to turn to food pantries for support. Despite President Donald Trump‘s announcement that troops will be paid by October 15, uncertainty looms, leaving families fearful and struggling.
Advocates report that the impact of the shutdown is particularly harsh on military households, with many spouses employed by the federal government also facing paycheck interruptions. This has led to a staggering 300% increase in demand at the Stronghold Food Pantry in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, which serves military members and their families. Founder Monica Bassett described the situation as “humbling and heartbreaking,” noting nearly 410 new applications for assistance were filed within just ten days.
The Active Service YMCA (ASYMCA) has also reported a significant rise in demand, with a 30% increase across its 22 locations. In Killeen, Texas, the pantry experienced a shocking 34% spike in demand just one day after the shutdown began. Dorene Ocamb of ASYMCA expressed concern over the sustainability of their services, estimating an extra $60,000 per week is required to meet the rising need.
As military families brace for potential financial instability, many express doubts about the clarity of the forthcoming pay. Elizebeth Jamison, a military family advocate, highlighted that uncertainty regarding pay deposits adds to the anxiety already felt by families living paycheck to paycheck. “The announcement that President Trump authorized pay is good news in the short term, but the details are still unclear,” she told TIME.
Jamison emphasized the dual instability many military families face, as the unemployment rate for military spouses remains elevated. With many spouses working in federal jobs, they too are at risk of furloughs or layoffs during this shutdown. “It shouldn’t be the case that nonprofits and community organizations have to be the safety net for those in uniform,” she stated, urging Congress to take immediate action to resolve the military pay situation.
In a poignant moment, a military spouse called into C-SPAN, directly confronting House Speaker Mike Johnson about the dire implications of a missed paycheck. “If we see a lapse in pay come the 15th, my children do not get to get the medication that’s needed for them to live their life,” the caller expressed.
As the deadline approaches, military families remain on edge, unsure of what the future holds. The need for immediate support and clarity from the government is more pressing than ever as families grapple with the challenges posed by the ongoing shutdown.