"I paid my share of taxes into the system," Hicks said.

Now, she relies on federal SNAP benefits to put healthy meals on the table, a challenge that became even more difficult during the government shutdown.

"I can't just open a can of corn and just eat it. I try to feed us balanced meals, where we have vegetables and a piece of meat," Hicks said.

When the federal shutdown suddenly meant those SNAP benefits wouldn't be coming, her anxiety levels jumped. She was thankful when Gov. Glenn Youngkin's administration decided to fund those benefits with state dollars in quarterly installments, and she received her first $49 last Friday.

"I'm grateful for whatever I get," Hicks said.

But she says it's difficult to meal plan when you only get a portion of your benefits at the beginning of the

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