Washington's local economy continues to suffer due to various measures by the Trump administration, including mass layoffs of federal employees and ongoing National Guard law enforcement involvement. These events have compounded economic difficulties for many residents.
As federal funding is reduced and the job market remains weak, many individuals have turned to local food banks for assistance. The Capital Area Food Bank is preparing for an influx of people seeking support ahead of the holiday season.
"With the combination of the longest government shutdown, the mass firings of government workers and a fresh cut in federal food aid, the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington is bracing for the swell of people who will need its help before the holiday season."
Photos by Mark Schiefelbein, Associated Press.
Author's summary: Washington’s economy reels from government shutdown effects, with rising food bank reliance and job losses marking a critical period for many residents.