(CNN) The commandant of the US Coast Guard said Tuesday that it is "unacceptable" that Coast Guard members have to rely on food pantries and donations during the partial government shutdown.

"We're five plus weeks into the anxiety and stress of this government lapse and your non-pay," Commandant Adm. Karl L. Schultz said i n a video tweeted out as a message to service members. "You as members of the armed forces should not be expected to shoulder this burden."

Schultz said he and the Coast Guard leadership team "stand in awe of your continued dedication to duty and resilience and that of your families." He said he was also "heartened" by the "outpouring of support from local communities across the nation."

"But ultimately, I find it unacceptable that Coast Guard men and women have to rely on food pantries and donations to get through day-to-day life as service members," Schultz said.

Your Coast Guard leadership team & the American people stand in awe of your continued dedication to duty, resilience, & that of your families. I find it unacceptable that @USCG members must rely on food pantries & donations to get through day-to-day life. #uscg pic.twitter.com/TZ9ppUidyO — Admiral Karl Schultz (@ComdtUSCG) January 23, 2019

"This week we'll hit another sobering milestone, and that's potential nonpayment to our civilians on Friday," Schultz said. The Coast Guard has a civilian workforce of 8,000, according to the commandant, who work alongside uniformed members.

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