DELAND, Fla. — Food insecurity across Central Florida is something that nonprofits are constantly looking to address. 

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and one of its partners in Volusia County, The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia, say demand for food remains high and hasn’t let up. 

What You Need To Know

Food insecurity continues to be on the rise across Central Florida 
Leaders with The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia in DeLand say food needs have increased since October when the federal government shutdown led to the pause of SNAP benefits
Those benefits have since been reinstated, but The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia CEO Savannah-Jane Griffin says the cost of food remains high

“This place is special and we’re happy to help feed our neighbors and individuals that are looking to feed their families,” Savannah-Jane Griffin, CEO of The Neighborhood Center of West Volusia said. 

Savannah-Jane Griffin says food needs have increased since October, when the federal government shutdown led to the pause of SNAP benefits. 

Those benefits have since been reinstated, but she says the cost of food still remains high. 

“This time last year, we saw about 100 people a day come through our pantry. Now, we’re close to seeing 200 a day coming to get food for the month,” Griffin said. 

Those impacted the most, Griffin says, are seniors, families, and working adults. 

“This healthy food is going to help them thrive,” Jackie Nitti, philanthropy officer for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, said. 

Nitti says if food prices continue on an upward trend long-term, even more people will need assistance. 

“There are so many families who are really just one paycheck away from not knowing how they’re going to move forward,” Nitti said. 

Starting April 20th, items like soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed prepared desserts will no longer be available for purchase with SNAP benefits in Florida.

Those restrictions are already in place in several other states as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture effort to address obesity.

For those seeking food assistance, Second Harvest Food Bank has a food locator tool for use.