Feeding Florida is increasing relief efforts for those missing SNAP benefits during government shutdown

Yet another nonprofit food bank organization is stepping up to help Floridians during the federal government shutdown that has disrupted federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Feeding Florida is deploying increased volunteers to help ensure families, seniors, and veterans get essential sustenance every day.

These volunteers are helping to put food on the tables of the needy through the organization’s statewide network of food banks and more than 2,000 partners, officials said.

“Our mission is to make sure no Floridian goes hungry, especially in times of uncertainty,” said Robin Safley, CEO of Feeding Florida. “Our nine food banks and more than 2,400 partner pantries have already mobilized, expanding distributions across the state to meet the growing demand for food assistance.”

Feeding Florida officials report that about 3 million people in the state are beneficiaries of SNAP programs. These programs were always designed to provide a temporary lifeline each month. But without that stable resource, the ripple effect on the state could lead to weakened communities, gaps in nutrition, faltering health, and damage to local learning and economies.

They warn that recovery from the SNAP shutdown can be costly.

“Feeding Florida’s network can increase distribution by up to 300% during emergencies,” Safley said. “The challenge isn’t moving food, it’s having enough food to fill the pipeline. We need everyone—leaders, communities, and partners—to work together to keep food flowing to every corner of Florida.”

Feeding Florida is asking for donations to help increase relief efforts.

Feeding Florida is an offshoot of Feeding America, formerly known as America’s Second Harvest, a national nonprofit leader in hunger relief efforts.

Feeding Florida’s efforts to help in the absence of SNAP benefits are similar to those of Farm Share. This organization also increased volunteer efforts last week, working with hundreds of food bank partners across the state.

Founded in 1991, Farm Share is a nonprofit that retrieves unused food from Florida farms and distributes that produce to needy families at locations across the Sunshine State. It is the largest food bank in Florida and the third-largest in the United States.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/763927-feeding-florida-is-increasing-relief-efforts-for-those-missing-snap-benefits-during-government-shutdown/