TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Friday marks the first time federal workers will miss a full paycheck.
Feeding Tampa Bay has been preparing for an influx of need from the community due to the continued government shutdown, potentially helping more people than ever.
Leaders at the non-profit say they prepared for a month in the event the shutdown continued, tailoring a unique program, hotline and webpage for federal employees to find resources to help beyond food assistance.
“So we’ve added extra hours, we’ve added extra staff, we’ve added extra volunteers because thousands right now are impacted,” said Shannon Oliviero with Feeding Tampa Bay.
Another potential problem on the horizon, states now warning residents the supplemental nutrition assistance program or SNAP benefits may be halted for November.
“But soon and possibly due to SNAP being kind of put on pause. It’s 250,000 households have Snap benefits, and we’re going to see an incredible influx into our nonprofit and others as well,” said Oliviero.
Leaders also tell us they are looking for help from the community to manage the possibility of more people looking for assistance.
“If you’re not affected by the government shutdown in any way, we really could use you to volunteer, and also to give – $1 equals five meals for us. And potentially, this is an influx of folks not only when this is going on, but it’s long-term effects to get them back on their feet,” said Oliviero.
For volunteer opportunities or to learn more about receiving help, visit https://feedingtampabay.org/.