NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The government shutdown looks likely to stretch through all of October, marking another milestone for federal workers as they missed a paycheck. That is putting the squeeze on family finances, and many federal workers are now turning to local food banks to help put food on the table. Lisa Desjardins discussed more with Radha Muthiah, the CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Key terms
furlough — a temporary layoff of workers
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What caused the government to shut down?
- When did the shutdown begin?
- How does the shutdown affect the incomes of federal workers?
- Who are some of the people interviewed for this segment, and what are their backgrounds?
- Why are food banks struggling to meet demand, according to Radha Muthiah?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- How do you think the shutdown and other government cuts will impact levels of food insecurity (=lack of consistent access to nutritious food)?
- What do you think the federal government should do to address the need?
- What could local communities do to help address the need?
Media literacy: Why do you think this segment focused on the Washington, DC area, even if the impact of the shutdown is being felt nation-wide?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
More closely examine the two charts below. Then discuss —
- What trend do you notice in the first infographic? Why do you think this trend has been consistent over the past few years?
- What does the second infographic tell you about the impact of federal cuts in the DC area?
- Taken together, what can you predict about the need for food access in the DC area next year? How do you think the need could be met?
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter with Daily News Lessons and community events.
To provide feedback on News Hour Classroom's resources, including this lesson, click here.
