The uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding is causing concern for more than 40 million Americans who rely on the program, with states like Colorado, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, and New York pledging support, but Florida has not yet committed to stepping in.The Twin Seafood and VN Market in Fort Myers, where more than half of their business comes from EBT cards, is particularly concerned. “I’d say about 70% of our customers use EBT. They buy crabs, sodas, noodles, etc.,” said Patrick Lu of Twin Seafood & Grocery Market.He warned that a prolonged absence of EBT customers could have a devastating impact on the business. “It’s definitely going to be hard…we’ll probably just hold out for as long as possible, but most likely could shut down,” Lu said.Local residents share these concerns. “This is the only little stores we have around here. So, let them go out of business because we can’t afford to do something,” said Karen Almodovar from Fort Myers.Maricela Morado from the Area Agency on Aging noted the impact on seniors, stating, “Our help line receives tons and tons of calls, and people are frantic and panicking right now.” She added that the agency provides a list of services and resources to those who call.Nadereh Salim from the Children’s Network of SWFL highlighted the importance of SNAP for children who have aged out of foster care and warned that foster families could face trouble next month. “We reached out to our caregivers to let them know this potential loss in benefits could impact them and reach out to us ask for help,” Salim said.Florida Senate President Ben Albritton expressed openness to discussions about state intervention.”I would be open to a conversation on that,” he said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring food security. “At the end of the day, making sure that hungry folks have food is something that is in my heart,” Albritton said.Patrick Lu remains hopeful that disaster can be avoided. “It’s definitely a doozy. We’ve just got to hunker down and hope for the best,” he said.The U.S. Department of Agriculture would need to secure $8 billion to make all SNAP payments by November 1, but this is not currently expected to happen.

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

The uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding is causing concern for more than 40 million Americans who rely on the program, with states like Colorado, California, Louisiana, Minnesota, and New York pledging support, but Florida has not yet committed to stepping in.

The Twin Seafood and VN Market in Fort Myers, where more than half of their business comes from EBT cards, is particularly concerned.

“I’d say about 70% of our customers use EBT. They buy crabs, sodas, noodles, etc.,” said Patrick Lu of Twin Seafood & Grocery Market.

He warned that a prolonged absence of EBT customers could have a devastating impact on the business.

“It’s definitely going to be hard…we’ll probably just hold out for as long as possible, but most likely could shut down,” Lu said.

Local residents share these concerns.

“This is the only little stores we have around here. So, let them go out of business because we can’t afford to do something,” said Karen Almodovar from Fort Myers.

Maricela Morado from the Area Agency on Aging noted the impact on seniors, stating, “Our help line receives tons and tons of calls, and people are frantic and panicking right now.” She added that the agency provides a list of services and resources to those who call.

Nadereh Salim from the Children’s Network of SWFL highlighted the importance of SNAP for children who have aged out of foster care and warned that foster families could face trouble next month. “We reached out to our caregivers to let them know this potential loss in benefits could impact them and reach out to us ask for help,” Salim said.

Florida Senate President Ben Albritton expressed openness to discussions about state intervention.

“I would be open to a conversation on that,” he said, emphasizing the importance of ensuring food security. “At the end of the day, making sure that hungry folks have food is something that is in my heart,” Albritton said.

Patrick Lu remains hopeful that disaster can be avoided. “It’s definitely a doozy. We’ve just got to hunker down and hope for the best,” he said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture would need to secure $8 billion to make all SNAP payments by November 1, but this is not currently expected to happen.