(KCEN) -- The forced budget cuts are set to take effect on March 1, unless Congress does something about it.
And there are several places you could feel the pain.
First, expect higher beef and chicken prices.
Food safety programs are in for a 51 million dollar cut.
That means fewer food inspectors on the job and potential closings of meat and poultry plants.
The result will be a smaller supply and higher prices.
Forced cuts include 400 million dollars from the Head Start Program. That means 70,000 preschoolers from lower income families have to stay home.
And get ready to spend even more time at the airport.
Forced time off for airport security and customs workers could lead to much longer lines.
But all is not lost, yet.
Government agencies are expected to try hard to avoid major disruptions for at least a couple of months.
