The 5-week-old shutdown is straining food banks and forcing tens of thousands of Americans caught in the middle of the funding standoff to go without a paycheck.

"I'm wondering how I'm going to be able to afford everything" if federal food aid is halted, one single mom said.

The clock is ticking for four major social safety net programs that keep tens of millions of struggling Americans — including millions of children and senior citizens — fed and warm, as well as provide early education services.