Millions of Americans will lose food assistance if the government shuts down

The head of the USDA says most WIC beneficiaries would lose access to the program within a few days of a government shutdown, leaving them unable to buy healthy food. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP)

While the fight over federal spending is playing out on Capitol Hill, the effects of a potential government shutdown would be felt far beyond it.

House Republicans are struggling to pass the spending measures needed to keep the federal government open past Saturday. A pause on government services would have implications for everything from air travel to public health to national parks to food assistance.