Maria Garcia has been a federal worker for 25 years and has lived through government shutdowns before.

She says this one has been by far the worst.

The 57-year-old is one of the 1.4 million US government employees going without pay.

While some still have to turn up to work, others like Maria are on forced unpaid leave.

She is among dozens who have queued outside a food bank in Maryland to get supplies to survive the week. It's her second time here.

"I'd never been to one, I never thought I would have to, but I'm here" she told the ABC.

"I had a meltdown last week because I didn't ask for this, I'm stuck at home because I can't go anywhere or do anything because everything costs money."

Maria says she has had to dip into her savings to pay her mortgage and the bills.

"It's upsetting

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