As the federal government shutdown stretches on, millions of families who rely on SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are preparing for the possibility that benefits could cease as early as Nov. 1.
Leaders from anti-hunger organizations like No Kid Hungry and Feeding America warn that even the uncertainty is already creating emotional stress inside households, especially for families with children.
"Kids are really perceptive. Even when they may not be able to understand the root cause of some changes in their household, they're always watching, always listening and they understand when their parents are feeling stress," Dr. Jade Cobern, a physician board-certified in pediatrics and preventive medicine, told ABC News.
She added that this awareness can start as early as age 4.
"Just because kids may not understand why certain things are happening, they can perceive changes in the household," Cobern said.
"As they get older, they can start to connect what they hear at school, on the news or on social media. Even if they don't yet link it directly to food insecurity, they understand their parents are facing a new challenge."
To help parents find age-appropriate language, Diego Alonso, senior manager for Storytelling and Cultural Strategy Communications at No Kid Hungry, suggests a simple analogy that parents can adapt for young children.
"Imagine you're at recess, and you and your friends can't agree on what game to play. Everything pauses until you decide. That's what's happening in government right now. And one of the things being paused is SNAP, which helps some families buy food," Alonso told ABC News.
Dr. Adjoa Smalls-Mantey, M.D., D.Phil, a board-certified psychiatrist and President of the New York County Psychiatric Society, said that whether to explain what SNAP is depends entirely on a child's maturity level.
"For children under 8 or 9, they likely don't fully understand where food comes from or what SNAP is," she said. "In that case, keep it simple: You can say food might be a little scarce right now, but do not overwhelm them with specifics."
By ages 10 to 12, she said, most children have enough worldly awareness to handle more context, and, critically, deserve clarity.
"At that age, if benefits have been cut, it's appropriate to tell them the government is in a shutdown, and be clear this is not the parent's fault. Otherwise, kids may internally blame their family before blaming the system," Smalls-Mantey said.
She added that parents should proactively reassure children who start worrying about feeding others.
"If a child tries to skip meals or save food for siblings or parents, you must say: 'This is for you. I will take care of your sibling. You do not need to worry about me. It is not your responsibility.'"
Cobern acknowledged that discussing food insecurity can be one of the most emotionally difficult conversations a parent ever has.
She emphasized that it's also okay if some families prefer not to initiate the conversation unless a child begins asking direct questions.
"If kids are asking questions, there are ways to be honest without giving them the stress," Cobern said. "It's OK to tell them that circumstances have changed and things may look a little different around mealtimes for a while."
She added that parents should prepare children for the possibility of new ways to access food, such as community food banks or religious organizations, while proactively removing shame.
"There is no shame in using community resources to get food. This is something many Americans are going through, and it is not the child's fault," Cobern said. "For kids especially, taking away shame before it settles in is key, and reassuring them as strongly as possible that they did nothing to cause this."
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America, also emphasized that it's critical for families to hear clearly that seeking food support is not a moral failing.
"Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not shame," she told ABC News. "These resources exist because communities care about one another. Local food banks and church pantries are there for everyone who needs them, whether for a few days or longer. No one should have to face hunger alone."
She said the scale of need underscores how vital SNAP is, and why families shouldn't hesitate to turn to backup supports if needed.
"For every meal the Feeding America network provides, SNAP provides nine. Food banks will do everything in their power to help, but this moment highlights just how essential federal nutrition programs are," she said.
If your family isn't facing food insecurity in the wake of these potential cuts, Smalls-Mantey stressed that empathy is as important as ever and recommended families find ways to help together.
"One way to foster empathy in children who are not facing food insecurity is by volunteering at a food pantry with your child," Smalls-Mantey said.
"In that way, your child is engaging with people who they realize are normal people, just like them. It is also empowering for the child, because they are doing something that immediately helps someone, and they can see the positive effect, perhaps even a smile of relief, that results from their actions."
As more than 42 million low-income Americans who rely on SNAP benefits brace for the potential freeze in food assistance due to the government shutdown, food banks, nonprofit organizations and local communities have mobilized to help those in need.
Click here for a full list of places to find assistance and places to donate.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also has a list of resources for families who need food right away.
In communities across the country, parents and caregivers may call or text 211 or go to the 211 website to be connected to local services. The number can be used almost anywhere in the U.S.
Staff and volunteers will connect people with food, housing, help with utilities and more. Information is available in multiple languages.
