ORLANDO, Fla. – Carina Patterson says she applied for SNAP benefits last month to feed her family, but due to the government shutdown, her application is in limbo.
“I do see I have Medicaid for me and my children, but as far as food assistance goes, I haven’t heard anything, and I don’t even have an ACCESS card yet — because I’m transferring from out of state,” said Patterson.
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If the shutdown continues, Patterson says she’ll still be in trouble even if she’s approved, because SNAP payments scheduled for Nov. 1 may be delayed until the government reopens.
For Patterson, who pays $2,500 for rent, works full-time, and has three kids to feed, losing these benefits would be devastating.
“The prices are going up, but our benefits are going down, and we can already barely survive,” she said.
Patterson is now considering getting a second job. She’s also relying on United Against Poverty and other local food banks for support — but the shutdown is impacting their efforts too, including their workforce and food voucher programs.
“We have $300,000 that’s currently not accessible. This is important seed funding in the programs like this one,” said Anjali Vaya, executive director of United Against Poverty.
Others, like Patricia Lewis, who has used SNAP benefits for years, remain hopeful that the shutdown will end soon.
“People got to eat. If they don’t eat, they’re gonna die. If they don’t want to die, they’re gonna be breaking in and stealing, then the world will really be in trouble,” said Lewis.
The SNAP warning was posted to the Florida Department of Children and Families website.
Several state legislators have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking to use SNAP’s contingency reserve to help out, but multiple media outlets report the USDA has already decided it will not tap into that fund.
How to get help near you
If you or someone you know needs help with food donations, Second Harvest has a Food Locator on its website to help find programs near you. The database lists programs in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties.
Spence says the programs listed on the Food Finder operate independently, so some may take appointments or have specific requirements to qualify for help. Some can also provide emergency help. Much of that information is listed on the website.
For people in Flagler County, Feeding Northeast Florida distributes food to partner pantries and other programs in the area. You can find a food pantry through that website.
For people in Polk and Sumter counties, Feeding Tampa Bay, which oversees that area, has a Find a Pantry database and a calendar for other food events on its website.
There’s also Farm Share, a nonprofit that works with Florida farmers to distribute food at events throughout the state.
Check the monthly calendar on their website for upcoming events.
You can also dial 2-1-1 to be connected with organizations that may be able to help with food and other types of assistance. Learn more at the Florida 211 website. This service is not available in Marion County.