FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- As signs emerge that the government shutdown may soon come to an end, many Cumberland County families are still grappling with weeks of financial strain.

For some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients and furloughed government employees, the uncertainty has meant taking on side hustles or second jobs just to stay afloat.

Bobbie Johnson, a longtime federal employee and single mother of two, has experienced multiple shutdowns.

"It's always nerve-wracking because you're not sure when you're going to go back to work," Johnson said. "Ultimately, I think having faith in God has really kept me firm so that I am able to be prepared."

To make ends meet, Johnson has leaned into her small business, making sweet treats like cotton candy cake.

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