As the government shutdown drags on, many federal workers are reaching yet another pay period without a check. Flights are being canceled, tax refunds are delayed, and now, it appears that U.S. soldiers stationed abroad could be going hungry.

According to EuroNews, American soldiers based in Germany have been warned that they might not receive pay if the shutdown continues past November 15th. Therefore, the U.S. Government has advised hungry soldiers to try visiting their local German food bank and ask for a meal.

While it’s certainly embarrassing for soldiers from the richest country on Earth to ask for food handouts from their host nation, it’s also a reflection of how precarious things have become. The organization Blue Star Families notes that “fewer than one in three military families have savings of $3,000,” and soldiers stationed abroad do not generally have access to the local social safety nets enjoyed by other residents of their host countries.

So, if you’re a soldier abroad reading this, better start looking up rice and bean recipes!