The holidays, like everything else, are going to be different this year. Many will be coping with the loss of a loved one. Others who've lost their jobs will be struggling to put food on the table. And in just a few weeks, about two dozen federal aid programs are set to expire. Experts are predicting widespread hardship in the U.S., unless something is done.

This is the context in which the Democrats and Republicans are negotiating a brand new stimulus package. Today Elamin calls up Marissa Evans, who covers social issues for the Star Tribune, as well as Nikita Stewart, assistant editor for The New York Times, who has covered food insecurity extensively.