A single mother in San Jose is growing increasingly anxious as families who rely on federal food assistance could temporarily lose that support beginning Nov. 1.

Chelsea Hollingsworth worries about keeping food on the table for her two young sons — 3-year-old Keaneau and 2-year-old Kayden. Each month, she uses $648 in SNAP (CalFresh) benefits at Walmart to purchase fresh produce, meat, milk, and other groceries her children prefer.

“My kids are very picky eaters, so SNAP helps me get them the foods they like and the nutrition they need,” Hollingsworth explained.

She is among more than five million California residents who depend on the program. Having experienced homelessness in the past, she views SNAP as essential for her family’s well-being.

While she continues searching for work, Hollingsworth says the ongoing federal government shutdown could force her to make impossible decisions if her benefits stop in November. “I’m trying to figure out how I can still feed my kids and keep a roof over their heads,” she said.

She has turned to food banks before, but says it can be difficult to find items her children will actually eat. For now, she’s stretching her benefits as far as possible, stocking up on canned foods and other non-perishables.

“I’m staying positive so they don’t have to worry,” she added. “No child that young should ever have to wonder when their next meal is coming.”

Hollingsworth hopes more people will recognize how many families could be affected if SNAP funding isn’t restored. More than 13% of Californians relied on the program last year.