Jacksonville food pantry feels surge in demand as government shutdown threatens SNAP, federal paychecks

Max Block Food Pantry staff say they’ve seen demand spike since the shutdown began — and the lines keep growing longer every week.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1 is now rippling into the lives of millions of Americans as food assistance programs are threatened. On Friday, Florida and Georgia both revealed that SNAP benefits will not be available beginning Nov. 1 if the shutdown continues.

At Jacksonville’s Max Block Food Pantry, operated by The LJD Jewish Family & Community Services (JFCS), staff say they’ve already seen demand spike since the shutdown began — and the lines keep growing longer every week.

“Our community needs us right now,” said Marilyn Darius, the pantry’s financial assistance and food pantry manager. “These are holiday numbers that we normally see — and it’s before the holidays.”

Every month, SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, help more than 160,000 people in Duval County put meals on the table. But Darius says those benefits rarely stretch far enough, even under normal circumstances.

“It doesn’t last for the whole month for a family of four,” she said. “They still have to come to local pantries for additional items because the cost of rent, food — everything — has gone up so much.”

According to Feeding Northeast Florida, more than 272,000 people in the Jacksonville area experience food insecurity — including one in five children. Across the state, 2.9 million Floridians face hunger, and more than 14% of households rely on SNAP benefits.

The Max Block Food Pantry served nearly 32,000 individuals last year, but Darius says this October is setting them on a path to outpace that number. “We’ve seen 327 households just this month — that’s about 1,400 people — and it’s only the beginning,” she said.

For Darius, the mission is personal.

“I know what it’s like — I grew up in a household like that,” she said. “This is my way of giving back and being able to relate to our clients.”

“Our military families were recently affected by SNAP cuts and the shutdown,” Darius said. “They’re so grateful that we’re here and able to help.”

Volunteers like Cecilia and David Cristol say the need is the worst they’ve seen in years.

“This is the worst time we’ve seen in I don’t know how long,” Cristol said. “It’s only getting worse — food is important, and we just want to help the community.”

The pantry distributes food twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1 and 3 p.m.; Darius emphasizes they’ll help anyone of any religion, race, age or zip code.

“We ask that you bring a photo ID — but we won’t turn anyone away. We’ll give you as much food as we can.”

With November SNAP benefits in limbo, food pantries across Florida are bracing for a new wave of families in need. As the shutdown drags on, staff say donations — both food and financial — are more critical than ever to keep shelves stocked and families fed.

Those wishing to donate food, funds, or volunteer time can visit JFCSjax.org or drop off nonperishable items at 6261 Dupont Station Court East. The pantry accepts canned meats, peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, frozen items, and even essentials like diapers and toiletries.

“Our community needs us,” Darius said, “and we’re not going anywhere.”