With the government shutdown in its fifth week, the uncertainty is affecting many military families who are left wondering if their paychecks will stop or if food aid may end. CBS News' Omar Villafranca reports on how families are coping.

Military families in Harker Heights, Texas, are experiencing heightened financial strain as the government shutdown continues. Many junior enlisted soldiers and their families are seeking help from local food pantries, such as the Armed Services YMCA, due to concerns about potential missed paychecks and limited resources.

A recent study found that 13% of military spouses rely on nutrition assistance, and organizations like the Armed Services YMCA have reported a 30% increase in demand for food support nationwide. Military families are calling on elected officials to resolve the shutdown, citing emotional and financial stress, while relying on community support to get through the uncertainty.

How military families are impacted by the government shutdown

It's hours before sunrise, but already soldiers are in line. They're not reporting for duty, but for rations with their families at the Armed Services YMCA Food Pantry. This busy location helps junior enlisted soldiers just a few miles from Fort Hood in Harker Heights, TX. It's a full time job trying to make sure that we have enough food on the table. Megan Holiday and Michelle Itterly are wives of soldiers and know all too well an army marches on its stomach with six kids between them and their husbands on enlisted salaries. They need help keeping everyone fed. There's a lot of people who say wait, wait, there's military and families waiting in line at a food pantry. Should people be surprised about that? No, they shouldn't because we live in poverty just like everybody else. We really do. Soldiers haven't missed a paycheck because of the shutdown, but some military families believe it's a possibility. We don't extra spin. We don't. We don't have to so we don't have to get gas. Thousands of active military members rely on food programs like WIC and snap. A recent study found about 13% of military spouses rely on nutrition assistance. Amy George with the Armed Services YMCA says more soldiers are showing up for help with the government shutdown. We have really seen a pretty significant significant increase. About 30% across the country. We're seeing a lot of military families coming to look for food assistance to support their family during this really uncertain time. What would you tell elected officials in Washington DC about what you're going through? I would say to make a decision. Understand that this is hurting our families emotionally, financially. If you were in that situation, you wouldn't like it. Like battle buddies, Megan and Michelle say their families watch over each other. They're not alone. They're not alone. They're not alone. Their families watch over each other when times are tough. Since her husband's are deployed, they cook meals and eat together and will get through the stress of the shutdown together.

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