The city of St. Petersburg is donating $20,000 to the St. Pete Free Clinic to help feed residents and federal employees affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
The donation comes as the shutdown threatens suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting Nov. 1.
Mayor Ken Welch announced the contribution Thursday, saying the funds will allow the clinic to serve about 3,200 additional clients in November. The funds would be drawn from the city’s Social Services Contingency and Office of Community Impact accounts.
“With the ongoing federal government shutdown, my administration is deeply concerned for residents who may lose access to food and federal employees working without pay,” Welch said in a statement.
The city is also offering payment extensions and long-term utility payment plans to federal workers and St. Petersburg residents affected by the shutdown. Impacted residents can call (727) 893-7341 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, for assistance.
St. Pete Free Clinic CEO Jennifer Yeagley said the organization has already seen increased demand and expects the need to grow if SNAP benefits are suspended.
The Free Clinic operates one of Pinellas County’s largest food pantries, the We Help Fresh Pantry, which is a critical resource for those who may lose SNAP benefits. The indoor market offers fresh produce, meat and pantry staples Monday through Thursday to Pinellas County residents in need, and offers expanded hours on Thursday evenings to accommodate working families. The program serves about 30,000 people each month.
“We have already seen an uptick in need over the past several weeks with the likely suspension of SNAP benefits on Nov. 1,” Yeagley said. “We expect the need to continue to increase significantly. We are expanding operations to better meet that need and sincerely appreciate this additional support in helping us ensure our neighbors are cared for at this uncertain time.”
Residents can find food locations at thespfc.org/map.